Ghana Black Stars rounded up their preparatory matches for next week’s Mundial in Qatar, with an impressive display that saw them stun the Rossocrociati of Switzerland by 2-0 in Dubai yesterday.
An international debut goal from new boy, Mohammed Salisu, who has been a pillar for Southampton in the English Premier League opened the scores for the Stars in the second half to put the FIFA 15th world ranked team, Switzerland, under intense pressure.
The centre back, who joined the Stars’ attack during a corner kick, excellently headed home from close range after the Swiss defenders failed to decisively deal with the aerial ball deep inside their six yard box.
With the Stars looking to vent their spleen on Switzerland, after not being so impressive in their last two friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua, they maintained their dominance in the midfield and improved their swift attacking play, with the introduction of Antoine Semenyo.
The striker for Championship side, Bristol City, who came on as a substitute proved that he was hungry for a starting place in the team, when he jostled for a ball against two defenders just outside the 18 yard box, controlled well and unleashed a powerful drive that went wide.
Winger Kamal Sowa, who came in as a substitute, boldly took on two defenders and pushed deep into the Swiss’ final third, with an attempt to score from a solo effort. He was sandwiched between a defender and the goalkeeper, who charged forward to salvage the situation.
But Striker Semenyo, who was inside the box, benefited hugely from the situation and delivered a powerful left strike into the net, to cushion Ghana’s lead and pushed the Swiss into a more difficult situation.
Salisu’s earlier miss.
Defender Mohamed Salisu had a fine opportunity to send the Stars ahead in the first half, when he appeared unmarked in the six yard box of the opponents, but his free header from Jordan’s kick missed the post agonisingly from the left side.
He remained a rock at the back and mostly swept away every loose ball. He appeared awesome with his long kicks to the left and right wingers and accurate passes through the middle.
The exploits of Afriyie Barnie
Hearts of Oak’s darling boy, Daniel Afriyie Barnie gave good account of himself with an impressive display that has endeared him to hearts of many fans, who watched him on the sunny sweltering afternoon.
As one of the local players called into the Black Stars, he looked so confident, tactically disciplined, fearless and justified his call-up as the sole up field home based player in the foreign players dominated team.
The utility player was denied an obvious penalty in the first half when he excellently took on his marker with fine dribbling skills that saw him nutmeg his marker, but his final attempt to run for if was thwarted with a knock that should have been a clear penalty.
A second look by a Video Assistance Referee (VAR) on any day would have awarded the deserving penalty to the youngster for his excellent display of bravely and wonderful skills.
Absence of Partey
Though reigning midfield dynamo, Thomas Partey, could not join the party, many connoisseurs believe that his absence was not felt by the team, as other players who stepped in to battle were equally good and made the midfield lively to watch.
It is envisaged that his huge presence in any of the subsequent matches would be an additional bolster to the team and lead to great success at the Mundial.
