World Cup 2022: Ghana 0-2 Uruguay – Five things we learned
Black Stars of Ghana have crashed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after losing 2-0 to Uruguay on Friday.
Here are five things we learned from the game:
Luis Suarez strikes again
Ghana’s number enemy Luis Suarez was unplayable at times in the game. The 35-year-old was everywhere on the pitch, tackling, joining the attack and creating for his teammates. He assisted his side’s two goals and I’m sure Ghanaians will be tired of him.
Defence still Ghana’s Achilles heel
Black Stars defence failed them in the biggest game of the competition. They conceded against Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay. In total, the Black Stars conceded seven goals in three games. The change in personnel at the back couldn’t prevent the team from keeping a clean sheet.
Andre Ayew takes over from Asamoah Gyan
12 years on, Ghana cannot score from the spot against Uruguay. Asamoah Gyan failed to net in 2010 and Andre Ayew followed his footsteps tonight. Ghanaians expected the script to change when Black Stars had a penalty in the first half after Mohammed Kudus was fouled by the goalkeeper. Ayew stepped up and missed only for the South Americans to score twice in quick succession to turn the game around. Ayew will forever blame himself for this miss.
Otto Addo needs to take tough decisions if he stays as head coach
Otto Addo’s contract with Ghana will expire at the end of December and if he decides to stay on, he will have make some tough decisions. Firstly, how to use Andre Ayew and his brother Jordan. The pair has been playing for the national together for years now and have contributed immensely but the time has come for the team to move on. Newbies, Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Tariq Lamptey, Osman Bukari and others must be trusted by the coach and given responsibilities to drive the team forward
Gideon Mensah should be Ghana’s No.1 left-back
Black Stars starting line-up raised eyebrows when Gideon Mensah was dropped for Baba Rahman. Mensah put up an impressive display against South Korea, however, he was not included in the line-up. Baba Rahman was poor throughout the game against Uruguay. He failed to deliver a solid defensive display and offered nothing going forward. Mensah delivers a shot at the left-back position going forward.
