Just days ago, the Black Stars of Ghana scraped a late win over the Black Antelopes of Angola. Antoine Semenyo smashed home a loose ball after a late freekick to snatch all 3 points ahead of the return leg in Angola.
Despite the 3 points, there are many questions that need to be answered for the Black Stars.
Ghana controlled the game registering 57% possession and 21 shots to their opponent’s 43% and 10 shots respectively. Angola however failed to test the Stars’ keeper, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi making one save the whole match. The Black Stars, on the other hand, put the ball on target many times but struggled to beat Angolan shot-stopper Neblu.
Both teams eschewed the middle of the park and focused on using the flanks to make things happen. Ghana were especially dangerous down their right-hand side, especially in the first half. Angola were more dangerous down the Ghanaian left and Gideon Mensah had a tough game dealing with Helder Costa.
Despite the result, Ghana lacked a cutting edge, and, aside from an early chance for Mohammed Kudus, there was little chance creation for the home side. There was a lot of sloppy play in the final third and the wide players often made the wrong decision in possession.
Ghana have major injury doubts ahead of the clash with Andre Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, Dennis Odoi and Alexander Djiku all expected to miss the game. The partnership of Daniel Amartey and Joseph Aidoo is relatively untested and lacks chemistry, making it an area of weakness. In addition, Dennis Odoi missing out means Kingsley Schindler is in line to make his Black Stars debut.
In midfield, Edmund Addo had a very poor game next to Thomas Partey, who was imperious. I would be surprised if Addo kept his place in the side. In the attacking phase, Inaki Williams still looks like he is not on the same page as his teammates as they often failed to find his runs. He was barely involved in the game, managing just 16 touches in 70 minutes attempting 9 passes. Considering he averages 34.3 touches and 24.3 pass attempts per 90 it shows how isolated he was compared to at club level.
Semenyo looked lively off the bench and his winner has led to questions on whether he should start instead of Williams, who has struggled for the Black Stars so far.
The last and most important question is, will the Angolans show more ambition in today’s clash? They looked very satisfied with the draw until Semenyo appeared and if they were to be more ambitious today, will they be able to test the Black Stars’ makeshift backline?