For the first time in the tournament Ghana played good possession football with the introduction of Derek Boateng but lost to a disciplined Zambian Team.

Someone might call it poetic justice for the way we got our winner against the Tunisians but that is the nature of football and we must accept the outcome in good faith. This is not the time to start pushing the panic buttons.

Adam Kwarasey (6): He wasn’t tested much and I don’t believe he can be faulted for the goal. It was a superb strike unleashed from a crowded goal area.

Samuel Inkoom (5.5): As usual all running and no end result. He tackled well but his crosses were poor as they have been the whole tournament.

John Boye (7): Once again another solid defensive display from John Boye. However he was overly over enthusiastic and conceded a needless yellow card with a high flying tackle in a non-threatening position.

John Mensah (7): He led the line well and he was unfortunate to have been stretched off.

Lee Addy (7): He surprised me with his performance. His tackles were tidy and his cross field passes were spot on.

Anthony Annan (7): Broke play effectively and protected the defense well.

Derek Boateng (7.5): he was majestic in midfield and his superb passing game gave the midfield the composure that has been missing in our games so far. His first yellow card was needless and the sending off took the shine off his game.

Kwadwo Asamoah (5.5): Nothing worked for him and as the Zambians defended gallantly.

Andre Ayew (6): The usual flair was missing but as usual he was all over the pitch battling his heart out.

Asamoah Gyan (4.5): he was effectively shackled out and his penalty was also poorly taken. Instead of following up on the penalty in search of a rebound he run the opposite direction to “celebrate”. His poorest game for Ghana in ages.

Jordan Ayew (7.5): A confident and matured display from the youngster. Easily, Ghana’s brightest spot. His attack and movements were slick and he was also quick to fall back to help the defense. His did well with the stinking shot in the second half though he could have scored in the first half.

Subs: Isaac Vorsah (6): creditable performance from him. It is unfortunate the goal came when he was introduced.

Prince Tagoe (4.5): I am sorry but I guess it is time to retire Prince Tagoe from the Black Stars. His first touch was poor and he lacked the conviction to do well.

Sulley Muntari (n/a): He was introduced too late for any proper assessment to be made.

Source: Nana Yaw Kesse (The Soccer Scientist)

yawkesse@gmail.com