Ghana BlackStars wrapped up their last friendly game with an emphatic 2-0 win over European side, Switzerland to aid them into the World Cup slated for Qatar 2022.
I caught a glimpse of today’s stunning victory over Switzerland and I must say that you should be proud as a Ghanaian because today’s performance from the boys was nothing short but brilliant. The tactical and technical aspects of our game was evident, it was clear the boys had upped their game, and there was a set objective to be fulfilled whiles the technical team most assuredly brought their A-game to bear.
You’ll side with me that, our two previous friendly games against Brazil and Nicaragua last month, didn’t go according to plan, it had many gaping holes that needed fixing but the technical team duly delivered on their promise to remedy those shortfalls.
Another thing worth pointing out was the experimentation of a midfield combo of RC Lens’ Salis Ahmed and Elisha Owusu, which paid off good dividends, both were playing for the first time together but the way they complemented each other and kept far more experience Granit Xhaka, Dennis Zakaria combo at bay spoke volumes of what Ghana could stand to profit should in case first team starters like Thomas Partey, Mo Kudus were injured or an accrued number of cards that may prevent them from playing, these two are telling us not to be worried an inch. Ghana is definitely in safe hands; good times are ahead.
In any game, once the midfield spine is broken, the onus lies on the defence to play above their weight levels to help prevent the team from conceding and that’s precisely what the four-man backline did impressively today against Switzerland.
Read More: Watch Highlights: Ghana Black Stars beat Switzerland in Abu Dhabi
In what will be Ghana’s preferred starting back line for the first game against Portugal, the defensive quartet of Lamptey, Rahman, Amartey, and Salisu with Ati Zigi in the post, gave us reason to believe they know what the mantle ahead of us was about. They resolutely restricted a silky and swift attacking quartet of Shaqiri, Embolo, Freulur, and Vargas to minimal shots on target.
In games that makes difference and set you on the premise of wins, your bench should be as good as the starting eleven, there were substitution in the final third of game proceedings, which saw the introduction of Kamal Sowah, Kamaldeen, Kyereh, Semenyo, and Alidu Seidu, it was least surprising to see how these guys brought on renewed belief, skill, confidence to how the side played after their introductions which saw Ghana go ahead through Mohammed Salisu, through a set piece then minutes later a long bursting run from Kamal saw Semenyo bundle home the second of the game to post a 2-0 victory over Switzerland.
Ghana will face Portugal in the first of three games but on the evidence of today’s performance and display, it only speaks volumes of what the boys are willing and able to showcase when push comes to shove. Mother Ghana is proud of you.
