Ghana 3-1 Togo: My bird’s eye view and ratings

To begin with, I thought Wednesday afternoon saw a much-improved performance from the Black Stars in the game against Togo in Tamale.

Putting it in context, though, the victory was against a Togo side big on endeavor but a bit short on ideas, but at the end of the day, you beat what’s in front of you and so Maxwell Konadu and the players deserve credit for qualifying for Equatorial Guinea with some style.

However, from where I sat running commentary for GTV, it was clear that a lot of work needs to be done and so many times, I realized that Konadu wasn’t happy.

For starters, movement off the ball left a lot to be desired. The game of today requires so much movement off the ball and moving into the right spaces to receive all variety of passes.

So many instances during the game saw the defenders struggling to pass the ball out of the back because there was little or no movement from the players in front of them.

When Avram Grant takes over, that is something he has to work on because that is the only way chances would be created.

Razak Braimah wasn’t really tested, but he was left unprotected for the goal scored by Jonathan Ayite. I will come to the performance of the central defensive pair soon, but his distribution of the ball was above average. He probably needs more games and he is by no means the finished product.

I however do not think he should be Ghana’s established first choice, but I believe he should be on the plane to Equatorial Guinea.

Harrison Afful is no doubt Ghana’s first choice right back but even though he had a reasonably good game, I believe he could have done better. His crossing wasn’t up to his usual high standards today and for me, there is still so much to come from the Esperance full back.

Baba Rahman seems to be the long-term solution to Ghana’s perennial left back problem position. He put in another good performance and indeed almost scored with his weaker right foot. He was available to cover for his centre backs and when he had the opportunity, he went on the attack. He is still a rough diamond and with time, he would be even better.

Jonathan Mensah is finally beginning to take control as the leader at the back and was imperious today. He was however at fault for the Ayite goal and he sometimes overdid things with unnecessary flicks; one of which almost got him seriously injured when Emmanuel Adebayor tackled him. It was a better performance than in Kampala, to be fair.

John Boye also put in an improved performance and stood up well to Emmanuel Adebayor. He was also on hand to clear loose balls but he needs to improve his positioning and ability to play the ball effectively out of defence. For me, these are his weaknesses and he needs to work on them. I am still not convinced that he should be the first choice partner for Jonathan Mensah, but only time will tell if he proves me wrong, which will make me so happy. He needs to rediscover his form of 2012.

Rabiu Mohammed was outstanding on the day. He went about his job in his usual understated manner; breaking up play and giving the ball to his other colleagues. He tired in the second half and Konadu promptly sent on Edwin Gyimah to help him out, but he did little wrong today. Maybe he needs to improve on his shooting and that would make him a complete midfielder, but as a ‘water carrier’, he was superb.

Emmanuel Agyemang Badu turned in a much-improved performance in today’s game. He dovetailed well with Rabiu in the first half and was disciplined in his runs forward. He perhaps ran out of steam, but not before forcing a third goal with a deflected shot. If he can produce such a performance consistently, then he could win his place in the starting eleven back. Otherwise, Kwadwo Asamoah could relegate him to the bench on his return from injury.

Solomon Asante was his usual tricky self and the TP Mazembe man put in a tireless shift on the right. His movement also troubled the Togo defence and he proved mobile as well. He is a useful squad player to have and time will tell if he stays in the starting side or not.

Mubarak Wakaso turned in his best performance for the Black Stars and watching him, I was forcibly reminded of a younger Sulley Muntari. He crossed well, moved in field and was always looking to make things happen. His cross for Abdul Majeed Waris’s goal was excellent and his goal from 35 yards was a beauty of a piledriver. He was tireless and perhaps Konadu brought him off to receive ovation from the crowd. For me, he edged Rabiu Mohammed as man of the match.

Jordan Ayew dovetailed well with Waris and was a mix of hard work and tricks. He almost set Waris up early on and was a constant menace to the Togo defence, but he needs to add effective end product to his game in terms of passes in the final third and goals. He should get better because he is hugely talented.

Abdul Majeed Waris returned to his pesty best in this game and he also got the goal his hard work up front deserved. He virtually ran himself into the ground and it is no coincidence that his confidence is returning after breaking his goalscoring duck for new club Trabzonspor.

Edwin Gyimah was a calming influence after coming on for Agyemang Badu, and Christian Atsu continued from where Solomon Asante left off. Jeffrey Schlupp had little time to make an impact, but helped keep the Togo players at bay for the few minutes he spent on the pitch.

Ghana XI v Togo: Razak Braimah (6/10) – Harrison Afful (7/10), John Boye (7/10), Jonathan Mensah (7.5/10), Baba Abdul Rahman (7/10) – Solomon Asante (7/10)/Christian Atsu(5.5/10) , Rabiu Mohammed (8/10), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (7/10)/Edwin Gyimah(6/10), Mubarak Wakaso (8.5/10)/Jeffrey Schlupp (4/10) – Jordan Ayew (7/10), Abdul Majeed Waris (7.5/10)