[ 2016-11-14 ]

Egypt 2-0 Ghana: Player ratings
Ghana failed to make their dominant play count
after they were caught off-guard by Egypt who
secured maximum points to extend their lead in
Group E of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Borg
El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria, leaving them five
points adrift leaders Egypt who have recorded a
100 percent record in their campaign for a first
World Cup appearance in over 20 years.

Footballghana.com rates the Black Stars player on
how they performed in the defeat.

Below are ratings of the Starting XI:

Razak Braimah 6
Made an important save in the early stages of the
game following Egypt’s first lobbed free-kick
which found Morsi in good position to score but
Razak’s stretched out leg saved us from an early
scare.
He properly calculated his movement during set
pieces to save Ghana from aerial danger.

He was however given little chance by Salah’s
penalty while critics will say he should have done
better with Saied’s well taken second.

Harrison Afful 4
While feeling the pressure after he gave away a
needless penalty at a time when the Black Stars
were in control of the game, he was also easily
beaten by Sobhi in the run up to the second goal.
He also failed to make those dangerous overlaps
like Rahman did on the other side. Known for his
swift nature of play, Afful failed to live up to
the billing.

Jonathan Mensah 7
The tall and strong defender had one of his better
performances in recent times.
He read the game well and was first to a lot of
balls both in the D area and away in the opponents
half while under attack.
He used his height to proper advantage during
aerial threats but wiill be disappointed he did
not get much protecting to deny Saied’s shot for
the second goal.

Daniel Amartey 7
The hardworking lad did very well partnering
Mensah in defense for the first time since the
AFCON in 2015 and can be considered as a reliable
center back for the future.
He made one-on-one interceptions on Salah during
the game denying the danger man any space to
punish Ghana. He was very organized and used his
pace and energy well enough to the team’s
benefit.

Baba Rahman 7
Responded to critics of his recent Black Stars
performances with a strong showing. Defended
against the threat of Salah impressively and was
also a strong presence offensively even though he
still needs to work on his final delivery.

M.Wakaso 8
Showed enough brilliance in his role. Springing
those aerial paces upfront to Jordan Ayew and
going into those vital tackles to disrupt the
opponents attack.
He was the conductor of Ghana’s drive upfront.
Long range shots and giving out those important
passes his teammates failed to properly pounce
on.
He stood out to be the best player on the field
for Ghana despite his earlier injury scare.

Thomas Partey 7
The youngster started the game strongly in
midfield with Wakaso. He was well composed in the
early stages of the game and intercepted the
Egyptian play from midfield. Tried enough to send
those attacking passes to the wings for Ghana to
initiate those attacks but unfortunately halted
his run leading to the penalty.

Agyeman Badu 7
The workaholic Badu was effective on the right
side of midfield spring up good crosses in the
first half of the game.
He exhibited enough energy by running down the
wings to make those crosses as well as shifting
into midfield to support Thomas Partey.
Badu created a lot of goal scoring chances earning
some credit but as well failed to convert a decent
heading opportunity.

Christian Atsu 6
Known for his flair and skilful abilities, the
Ghana winger went blank on any possible chance of
going past a marker.
He was restricted to the left side of attack which
seemed to deprive him of causing any danger to the
Egyptian defence. He got better after coach Avram
Grant decided to switch him to the right where he
managed to make decent attempts at goal and
forcing great saves of El-Hadary.

Andre Ayew 5
Struggled to stamp his authority on the game.
Despite helping the team defensively with his
aerial abilities, the Ghana skipper failed to make
any proper one-on-one take on.

However, he managed to open spaces with his
movement off the ball for his younger brother to
break through on the attack.

Jordan Ayew 4
Found himself in a lot of goal scoring positions
but did very little in converting the created
chances. He was also very wasteful from set pieces
failed to make an impact at the receiving end and
also couldn’t make proper delivery.

Source - Footballmadeinghana

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