Ghana-Jamaica: A Spectator's Analysis

Sammy Adjei (C+)

Was hardly tested in the first half. The Jamaican goal, if it could be blamed on anybody, was his fault. A Goalkeeper of his calibre should be able to stop a direct shot delivered by an average player 2 meters away from the penalty box. He dealt with a similar shot from the same distance in the same manner. Luckily, there was no Reggae Boy around to slot the ball home this time around. He made a good save in the second half.

General Comments: He appeared nervous, before and during the match. I have a feeling that his self-confidence has been rattled by the suspicion that the Coach intends replacing him with Kingston during the tournament. If this match was meant to give him the benefit of the doubt, then he, better than anybody, would understand what Eddie Donkor meant when sang ?Na who cause am??

Danny Quaye (A)

Reminded me so much of a young Hesse Odamten; short, solid, fearless, athletic, clever, and skilful. Did not appear the least overawed by a curious crowd. Passed the ball well, covered space between himself and John Mensah accurately. He could prove the revelation of the world cup. Would deserve an A+ if he had moved forward a bit more.

General Comments: Would need to improve on his attacking game, if he were not playing to the Coach?s instructions. He has the stamina and athleticism to handle that with no difficulty.

Habib Mohammed (B-)

Appeared to be out of his depth . A clever player but would struggle against a more composed, top quality opposition(makes the prospect of playing Brazil after the first round a nightmarish thought). It could be that he was a victim of inadequate support from the left half of the midfield. He was passed easily. The first Jamaican goal scoring chance was the result of a cross delivered from his side. He should have blocked that with ease. He rushed his passes, too. His stature would give every attacker the encouragement to surge forward.

General Comment: The Achilles Heels of the Ghanaian defence.

Sammy ?Tuga? Kufour (A-)

Was imperial in defence. He made things look too easy. He made the Jamaicans look like they were a collection of amateurs.

General Comments: If he could curb his bossy attitude towards Sammy Adjei and Habib Mohammed in particular, Ghana would be blessed by the calming effect of his presence on the nerves of the country?s football fans!

John Mensah (A-)

Majestic, effective, and intimidating. If Kufour is a rock, this man will is a mountain. Has a good sense of space and pace! His tackles are timely. He anticipates well, too.

General Comments: Will have to approach aerial balls with the traditional ?adwen bone? philosophy of Ghanaian defenders. Was caught out on one or two high balls. His self-belief and cool-headedness reminded me so much of the great Fanti Central defenders: James ?Kuuku? Dadzie, Justice Moore, John Eshun, Wilson, Ahmed Rockson, Isaac Paha etc.

Eric Addo (A-)

A world class holding midfielder. Very good sense of distribution. Relaxed, tutoring, and always freed himself for passes from goalkeeper and defenders.

General Comments: This guy?s versatility should give the coach a good option should Habib Mohammed continue in his erratic ways. He appeared however to be one of the causes of Mohammed's problems. (Theory: When a midfielder to the left of the field fails to engage the opponent?s attacking inside forward both defence and attack, the latter gets the chance to double up with his team mate on the outside right (winger) to give the opponent?s left-half back immense problems). Could be the reason why he was substituted. The coach will do well to get him to play like Abu Imoro of old, the Makelele of Ghana soccer!

Michael Essien (A)

A typical good engine: not conspicuous, not heard, but felt in the effectiveness and sound operation of the vehicle. The Jamaicans roughed him up in the early stages, causing Mr. Cool to lose his cool on one or two occasions.

General Comments: Was everything I thought and you know he is: solid, efficient, and highly competitive. His take-it-here-and-give-it-back-there pass around with his team mates was the mainstay of our attacking machine. Will do well to play with a constant level of concentration. His combative self was absent; the nature of the match and quality of opposition may be blamed for that.

Sulley Muntari (A*)

Whose son is this boy? A genius by all standards. If Essien is a Mercedes, this boy must be a combination of a Bentley and a Rolls Royce rolled into one. He glides; he flows; he floats, even on the ground. Those who did not have the opportunity to see Razak and Polo in their prime should watch this boy play! Mama mia! We have won the world cup!

General Comments: Beyond comparison. He should be allowed to his own thang!

Asamoah Gyan (B+)

A promising performance. Had to fight a lot of body battles with Bob Marley?s burly nephew because of a lack of efficient supplies from midfield. He has the quality, the strength and the intelligence to perform better.

General Comments: He was good. Released the shot that led to the fourth goal. One-to-one, he will worry many defenders.

Matthew Amoah (B-)

A pedestrian performance capped with a striker?s goal.

General Comments: He looked tired. Appeared to consider the match a waste of time after realising the NIPAHUNUNESS of the Jamaicans.

Stephen Appiah (B+)

Tornado came to have fun.

General Comments: Played a lot to the gallery. Showed respect for the fans; exhibited enough skills to remind us that he could play like Ronaldinho if he so wished. Two serious attempts at goal produced two goals. Appiah is going to be the main reason why we shall (not) qualify for the second round!

On the team:

Displayed typical black African attitude to the game. They played to the level of the opposition. Appeared to perform better when the Jamaicans appeared to be recovering from the intoxicating effect of one the things they are world famous for. I guess this is what the coach meant when he said that African players lack discipline. A match lasts for ninety minutes. That should be drummed into the ears of our players before every match. Amanfoo, we are in business! And oh! The quality of our jerseys! No names at the back. Colour resembled a white flag that has been hanging on the Kumasi-Accra road since independence. Could it be the reason why Kufour was stopped by an official from tossing his jersey into the crowd after he was substituted? And if he opens his mouth?..hmmm!
Amanfoo, we are in business!