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FEATURED: Five things we learnt from Ghana’s defeat against Brazil
Oh. It’s that game again, Ghana and Brazil, a game that gets everyone riled up in their feelings to think that, the BlackStars might produce a display worthy of the display to upset the odds but sadly it didn’t turn out in that direction.
I, like every other football fan, readied myself through Friday, in order to make it to a viewing centre to catch a glimpse of the game.
When the line-ups popped up on the screen, you could hear a few moans and groans from the fans as to why this and not this player was starting ahead of the other and it was least surprising that the first of the game vindicated them with a number of things needing immediate resolution during the break.
READ: Thomas Partey leaves Ghana Black Stars camp
This game might have been dress rehearsal ahead of the World Cup but from a technical and tactical point of view the team lost out to a rampant, Brazilian side that made a mockery of our boys on the day. It was telling, the key areas from where we lost the battle and I’m sure Otto Addo and his backroom staff have noted a number of things down for possible rectification because this team is miles away from a finished article.
The midfield experiment test of Baba Iddrisu and Ayew clearly lacked pace, creativity, steel, and balance, the absence of Thomas Partey from the game took a toll on how the team played.
In fact, his importance to this side can’t be underestimated by any stretch as the likes of Neymar, Paqueta, and Casmeiro had a field day jollying in our non-existent midfield, which had no clue to what they were tasked to do on the night by the handlers of the team.
The team deployed veterans, Dennis Odoi and Baba Rahman as laterals for the game, supreme gap in quality exposed our lads on several occasions as they found no antidotes to the pace and trickery of Real Madrid superstar, Vinicius Jnr, Neymar da Silva Dos Santos, Raphinha and Lucas Puqueta, who found a pocket of spaces to thrive and create numerous chances for the side,it was a worrying trend through the game.
Afena-Gyan, budding talent and one for the future was tasked with the mantle of leading the lines for the side, he did his bits through the game, pressed when he could but he was no match for the experienced duo of Thiago Silva and Marquinhos but the introduction of Inaki Williams injected some pace and mobility to the way the team played in the second half.
Another area worth pointing out is the team’s lack of awareness, sensitivity, and anticipation in the face of set pieces, out of the three goals that the team racked in, they conceded two from set pieces, which is something that should be worked on moving forward.
Tuesday is a step away from us against Nicaragua, I expect Otto to ring in a number of changes and be bold enough to name a strong line-up and make effective substitutions when it mattes, or else his solitary win in 7 games as head coach of the BlackStars won’t improve anytime soon if he keeps going on this trajectory.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.
The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.
Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.
“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended
His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game
The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.
He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.
This week’s Ghana Premier League 2026/27 games produced incredible results across the various game venues.
- Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Scorer: Wiafe/Eric Darkwah (penalty, late). - Hearts of Oak 1–0 Port City FC
Scorer: Frank (Abora) Duku (header). - FC AshantiGold 1–0 FC Samartex
Scorer: Raphael Ankamah
- Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Scorers (Bechem): Emmanuel Kobi (39’), Yaw Acheampong (62’), Kofi Tompuo (87’), own goal (stoppage time).
Scorers (Vision): Benjamin Kwarteng (47’), Ruben Quaye (51’). - Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Scorers: Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah, Emmanuel Ofosu. - Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Scorer: Kwame Opoku 2x - Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Scorer: Malik Abubakar - Medeama SC 3–1 Heart of Lions
Scorers (Medeama): Emmanuel Annor (28’), Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’).
– Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji - Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Samuel Prempeh (penalty, first half).
Hearts head coach Nebojša Kapor has lamented the infrastructure problems in Ghanaian football.
Hearts of Oak secured a crucial 1-0 win over Port City FC at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, ending a three-match winless run in the Ghana Premier League.
Frank Duku’s 20th-minute goal was enough to separate the sides and hand the Phobians three points against the newly promoted outfit.
Despite the win, head coach Nebojša Kapor was left frustrated about the poor state of the Legon pitch.
“This is not our stadium; it’s a national stadium. Ghana football has serious problems with proper pitches,” Kapor said after the match.
The Serbian tactician’s remarks reflect growing frustration among coaches over the quality of playing surfaces across the league.
The Phobias have adopted the University of Ghana as their temporary home venue for the Ghana Premier League.
Hearts of Oak will play Vision FC in the next league game away from home.
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