Ghana failed to make their dominant play count after they were caught off-guard by Egypt who secured maximum points to extend their lead in Group E of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria, leaving them five points adrift leaders Egypt who have recorded a 100 percent record in their campaign for a first World Cup appearance in over 20 years.
Footballghana.com rates the Black Stars player on how they performed in the defeat.
Below are ratings of the Starting XI:
Razak Braimah 6
Made an important save in the early stages of the game following Egypt’s first lobbed free-kick which found Morsi in good position to score but Razak’s stretched out leg saved us from an early scare.
He properly calculated his movement during set pieces to save Ghana from aerial danger.
He was however given little chance by Salah’s penalty while critics will say he should have done better with Saied’s well taken second.
Harrison Afful 4
While feeling the pressure after he gave away a needless penalty at a time when the Black Stars were in control of the game, he was also easily beaten by Sobhi in the run up to the second goal.
He also failed to make those dangerous overlaps like Rahman did on the other side. Known for his swift nature of play, Afful failed to live up to the billing.
Jonathan Mensah 7
The tall and strong defender had one of his better performances in recent times.
He read the game well and was first to a lot of balls both in the D area and away in the opponents half while under attack.
He used his height to proper advantage during aerial threats but wiill be disappointed he did not get much protecting to deny Saied’s shot for the second goal.
Daniel Amartey 7
The hardworking lad did very well partnering Mensah in defense for the first time since the AFCON in 2015 and can be considered as a reliable center back for the future.
He made one-on-one interceptions on Salah during the game denying the danger man any space to punish Ghana. He was very organized and used his pace and energy well enough to the team’s benefit.
Baba Rahman 7
Responded to critics of his recent Black Stars performances with a strong showing. Defended against the threat of Salah impressively and was also a strong presence offensively even though he still needs to work on his final delivery.
M. Wakaso 8
Showed enough brilliance in his role. Springing those aerial paces upfront to Jordan Ayew and going into those vital tackles to disrupt the opponents attack.
He was the conductor of Ghana’s drive upfront. Long range shots and giving out those important passes his teammates failed to properly pounce on.
He stood out to be the best player on the field for Ghana despite his earlier injury scare.
Thomas Partey 7
The youngster started the game strongly in midfield with Wakaso. He was well composed in the early stages of the game and intercepted the Egyptian play from midfield. Tried enough to send those attacking passes to the wings for Ghana to initiate those attacks but unfortunately halted his run leading to the penalty.
Agyeman Badu 7
The workaholic Badu was effective on the right side of midfield spring up good crosses in the first half of the game.
He exhibited enough energy by running down the wings to make those crosses as well as shifting into midfield to support Thomas Partey.
Badu created a lot of goal scoring chances earning some credit but as well failed to convert a decent heading opportunity.
Christian Atsu 6
Known for his flair and skilful abilities, the Ghana winger went blank on any possible chance of going past a marker.
He was restricted to the left side of attack which seemed to deprive him of causing any danger to the Egyptian defence. He got better after coach Avram Grant decided to switch him to the right where he managed to make decent attempts at goal and forcing great saves of El-Hadary.
Andre Ayew 5
Struggled to stamp his authority on the game. Despite helping the team defensively with his aerial abilities, the Ghana skipper failed to make any proper one-on-one take on.
However, he managed to open spaces with his movement off the ball for his younger brother to break through on the attack.
Jordan Ayew 4
Found himself in a lot of goal scoring positions but did very little in converting the created chances. He was also very wasteful from set pieces failed to make an impact at the receiving end and also couldn’t make proper delivery.
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