Charles Akonnor’s Black Stars threw away a vital lead at the FNB Stadium as South Africa crawled back into the game in the Group C clash on Thursday.
Ajax Amsterdam offensive midfielder Kudus Mohammed made it a double over the Bafana Bafana after scoring at the FNB Stadium 4 minutes after recess.
The former Right to Dream Academy graduate was the brightest spot in a lackluster display from the West African powerhouse.
Below is a rating of the performance of the Black Stars against the Bafana Bafana
Razak Abalora – 6.5/10
The Asante Kotoko glovesman was not widely untested in the first half but he organised his backline very well as the Bafana Bafana barely got a shot on target. The former WAFA keeper spilled the ball in a dangerous fashion and it took Nicholas Opoku to stop the ball.
Benson Anang – 6/10
Aside his defensive roles the Zilina defender successfully played with the midfielders as he constantly surged upstairs to offer hands in any attacking play. In the second-half he offered a strong shield together with the backline.
Baba Rahman – 5.5/10
The Chelsea loanee lacked sharpness and alertness due to lack of competitive game time. His mobility and offensive abilities was put to test. Percy Tau exploited his side of the defence to score the equaliser.
Nicholas Opoku – 6.5/10
The Amiens defender was firm and commanding at the back as he formed a strong partnership with Ismail Ganiyu of Asante Kotoko.
Ismail Ganiyu – 7/10
Ganiyu impressed almost everyone who watched the game. Awesomely strong and attention to defensive details. Great debut!
Afriyie Acquah – 5.5/10
The Yeni Malatyaspor man was tasked to offer defensive shield to for the back four but in the first half the Bafana Bafana operated freely within the zone and teased the Ghana midfield out of their area – all due to Acquah’s lack of presence in the middle. He had 2 shots off target though.
Wakaso Mubarak – 6/10
The clubless midfielder was workaholic throughout the period as he made crucial blocks and interceptions as well as committing important fouls in zones assigned to him. He was never sapped of his energy as he ran throughout the game.
Kudus Mohammed – 7.5/10
Tasked to sit in front of the midfield the Ajax Amsterdam man brought hope and vision to the Ghana team even when South Africa were in firm control. He scored the game’s opening goal on the 49th minute mark through an impressive play.
Emmanuel Gyasi – 5/10
The Spezia had a quiet afternoon at the FNB Stadium and there was not much good memories for the former Torino starlet who was replaced by Emmanuel Boateng on the 90th minute mark.
Caleb Ekuban – 5.5/10
One of the two offensive lying players who were tasked to offer support to Kwame Opoku – the arrowhead. He was replaced on the 73rd minute mark by Emmanuel Lomotey as Ghana sought to tighten the middle.
Kwame Opoku – 4.5/10
Quiet and ineffective upfront largely due to lack of services to him. This was not a debut he dreamt of. Replaced by Osman Bukari on the 46th minute.
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