Ghanaian sports journalist Listowel Mensah has dissected Real Oviedo midfielder, Kwasi Sibo's debut performance for the Black Stars against Mali on September 8, 2025.

He touched on the positives in his performance and also ointed out areas the player falls short and needs to improve.

Read Listowel Mensah's article below:

A new midfield star is on our hands, Kings and Queens—Ghanaians should be happy. I met him when he visited Angel TV for a sports talk show, and after a brief conversation with the host, Kofi Jerry, I noticed right away a determined footballer who has gone through the mill and is ready for everything, including seizing a position in the Black Stars.

I was forced to let him know that, "Player, don't sleep on your laurels because a call-up might be nearer than you think." I said this, and he smiled.

Three months on, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo released his squad for the crucial double header against Chad and Mali. Conspicuously missing was Real Oviedo's midfield maestro Kwasi Sibo.

Many Ghanaians raised concerns about his exclusion, which forced the Communications Director of the GFA, Henry Asante Twum, to explain that Sibo had been monitored and his call-up was very close.

Ghana didn't get the deserved results against Chad, and an injury to Atalanta's Ibrahim Sulemana, the suspension of Elisha Owusu, and the underwhelming performance of Abdul Salis Samed necessitated the call-up of Sibo by the head coach.

Ghanaians divided over Jordan Ayew's angry reaction after substitution in game against Mali

Many Ghanaians demanded that he start against Mali. I also had a similar take, though I was a bit skeptical, not because I thought he wasn't good enough, but because I felt the pressure might overwhelm him.

The lineup came, and our man was in it. It was time for me to switch from being a fan to a critical analyst with football knowledge. I monitored his movement, his touches, awareness, and reading of the game.

I think Kwasi Sibo is who he thinks he is: a combative midfielder who is not afraid to throw in tackles, cover ground, fight for both ground and aerial duels, and initiate build-ups.

Here's my observation of Kwasi Sibo's performance against Mali:
Very active, intelligent, and tireless Central Defensive Midfielder (CDM) who covered ground well. He is aerially solid and mobile, bringing more defensive solidity, and can be compared to the early performances of Baba Iddrisu in the Black Stars.

Things I didn't like:

I noticed Sibo is limited in possession. On the ball, he likes to play outside the opponents' block or with enough space to have time in front of their midfield. He's okay receiving the ball facing his own goal and quickly moving the ball on, but clearly struggles under pressure.

I expect him to improve his ball retention, progress the ball more effectively, and work on scanning, which is his major issue. He doesn't scan before receiving the ball, making him vulnerable.

As a player who has played in Spain with one of the most talented central midfielders, Santi Cazorla, scanning shouldn't be an issue, and I expect him to get the basics right.

The 27-year-old now has a hefty task to maintain the standard he's set for himself, which is why I pray that he improves every day.

Meanwhile, watch the pre-match conferences of Otto Addo, Tom Saintfiet and Black Stars final training session ahead of Mali game