FOUR LESSONS FROM GHANA'S BIG WIN OVER QATAR

In a even game in terms possession, Ghana outscored Qatar by a four goal difference. It was all redemption for the Ghanaian side having been beaten by Mali in their previous friendly game.

 

Five changes to the side that were beaten by three goals told of the manager's intentions. Though a friendly, a double low could have dented Akonnor's stay as the leader of the coaching staff. The pressure had mounted up locally and there was something to vie for. 

Ghana managed to get four goals in the second half after a one all result in the first half. Despite ending the game on a high, 5-1, here are three things we observed;

 

NUMBER 3 LEFT-BACK?

Over 180 minutes of football and one thing was clear as a crystal ball, Ghana looked short in numbers at the left back position. The position has been referred to as the number 3 in tactical terms when playing with four men at the rear. At the African Cup of Nations held in 2019, Ghana tried three different players in that role before bowing out at Quarter Final stage. From there, Gideon Mensah has been the mainstay in the role having started in the last four games. On a bad day against the Malians, he was withdrawn with no direct replacement. Over the said period, Ghana has seemingly tried out new players in the other ten positions without any at the left-back position. 

4-4-2 MADE IT EASY

To every country, a system of play. The 4-4-2 formation, regardless of the variations seems to be a part of the Ghanaian football story. Having faced the Malians in a 4-3-3 formation, one thing was clearly wrong, role interpretation. This affected personnel positioning and the result was bizarre. In the former formation, the players looked comfortable in pressing (high or standard) and even got the first half from that. In ball retention and movements, there was no cause for alarm. Sevilla and Bayer Munich practice this to a greater effect. Formations of play are part of the football culture.

DEDE AT HIS BEST

Right after the lost to Mali, it was stated in our words that Dede Ayew will best help the team if he plays more central. Today, playing as the second striker off his younger brother, Jordan, the captain sailed the ship to shore without any difficulties. His ability to drift to wide areas, opened up spaces in the opponent's defense line. His awareness and goal scoring qualities were sold out too. Keep playing him there. 

 

YELLOW ROYAL?

Nationally, there's been a loud cry to return to the yellow kit as first choice for the national football teams. The majority have cried out that the white color does not tell the Ghanaian story. In the last defeat to Mali, the new white kits were launched and there was a fall. Today, the yellow won the game. This tells the tale of those who called for the change in home kit. Time to go all yellow?

By: Gyamfi Din-Chin