Ghana have reclaimed top spot in Group G of their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a deserved 1-0 victory against Zimbabwe at the national stadium in Harare.
Thomas Partey’s brilliant 31st minute free-kick ensured the Black Stars kept their World Cup qualification with back to back victories against the Warriors.
The win takes Ghana to 9 points, 2 better than close contenders South Africa, who host Ethiopia later on Tuesday.
Here’s how each player rated in the victory against Zimbabwe:
Player ratings:
Jojo Wollacott – 6.5
The Swindon Town goalkeeper retained his spot as the first choice goalkeeper and showed just why Rajevac trusts his instincts. He had a somewhat shaky first half but grew in confidence as the game progressed.
His distributions were good and in the dying embers of the game, he delayed and kept his calm as Zimbabwe sought unsuccessfully for the equalizer.
Daniel Amartey – 6.0
The Leicester City player was once again deployed as right-back and was decent yet again. He did not provide any attacking threat but was solid in defending, ensuring he provided security for the team.
Jonathan Mensah – 6.0
He showed his leadership skills, making sure everyone was calm despite the incessant pressure Zimbabwe put the team under in the closing minutes of the game. His reading of the game was superb.
Alexander Djiku 4.5
The Strasbourg defender would not have been impressed with his own performance. He struggled to cope with the Zimbabwean attacks and got himself booked again for a clumsy foul. Suspended for the Ethiopia game next month.
Baba Rahman 6.0
Defending is still an area Abdul Baba Rahman needs to work on. He did not bomb forward as much but overall remained decent.
Iddrisu Baba 6.0
The Mallorca midfielder did his job to perfection, playing alongside Thomas Partey. He gave the team a solid defensive cover, allowing Thomas Partey to surge forward occasionally. His introduction stabilized the midfield and gave the Ghana team some control as the game progressed.
Thomas Partey – 8.0
The Arsenal star exhibited a strong sense of leadership in the midfield and in the team in general.
He had a fruitful partnership with Iddrisu Baba in the middle of the pitch and was rewarded with the only goal of the game, his 12th in Ghana colors.
Mohammed Kudus 8
Mohammed Kudus is a national treasure, a very important asset to Milovan Rajevac going forward in the qualifiers and in the Africa Cup of Nations which will take place in January 2022.
The Ajax protégé was superb – direct, skillful, intelligent and most importantly has an eye for goal. He had a good linkup play with Kamaldeen Suleman and Benjamin Tetteh on the day as Ghana narrowly beat Zimbabwe.
Kamaldeen Sulemana 7.0
The Rennes attacker was brilliant yet again for Black Stars, utilizing very well the limited time he spent on the pitch.
He was direct and rapid, causing havoc on the left flanks. He almost grabbed the opener but his effort was saved by Talbert Shumba. He had a linkup play with Kudus on few occasions.
Jordan Ayew 5.5
In all fairness, the Crystal Palace attacker was almost non-existent on the field.
The 30-year-old did not contribute much in terms of attack in the course of the game and it was frustrating to watch. He cannot be faulted much as he showed great zeal as always to improve and help the team going forward.
Benjamin Tetteh 6.5
Had a decent game in Harare as Ghana edged past. He helped out defensively on set pieces, using his height to great effect.
He brilliantly did the job of a central pivot in attack, ensuring he shielded the ball well and linking up the other attackers as well.
Substitutes
Daniel Kofi Kyere – 4.5
Despite playing 30 minutes in Harare, the St. Pauli attacker contributed little in attack as Ghana defeated Zimbabwe in Harare.
Joseph Aidoo – N/A
Caleb Ekuban – N/A
Samuel Owusu -N/A
Andre Ayew -N/A
