Ghana 1-0 Ethiopia: Five things we learned

Ghana got off to a good start in the FIFA World cup qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over Ethiopia at the Cape Coast Stadium on Friday.

Mubarak Wakaso found the net for the Black Stars in the 45th minute whilst holding off the Ethiopians to little attempts on goal. CK Akonnor’s side are now top of the group with three points and will hope to get a good result against South Africa.

Here are the five things we learned from this game.

Goals a problem for the side

During the qualifiers, the Black Stars were able to find way past opponents, displaying superiority all over the pitch. In the last three games however, the team have netted just once, not a good sign for a side who wants to qualify for the world cup. CK Akonnor would have to find ways of getting his team to find the net on regular basis.

Yaw Yeboah makes starting case

Wisla Krakow midfielder Yaw Yeboah was afforded 30 minutes on the pitch, coming on for Stade Rennais star Kamaldeen Sulemana and made a good account of himself with his silky movement and effortless possession of the ball. He should be given more room to prove his worth in the next match.

Daniel-Kofi Kyereh makes long awaited debut

St Pauli forward Daniel-Kofi Kyereh said yes to the Black Stars despite having German citizenship. He has enjoyed a good start in club level this season and hoped to translate it into the international stage. He came on for the injured Jeffrey Schlupp in the 28th minute and although he did not make much of an impact, there is hope that he will help the country in subsequent matches.

Ghana missed Partey and Kudus

CK Akonnor went into the international break without the services of Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus due to injuries at their respective clubs. The duo have been instrumental to the team’s success in the last year and it was evident that they were sorely missed as Ghana struggled to break down Ethiopia. It is the hope that both players return soon.

Ghana not ready to win AFCON yet

Since 1982, the Black Stars have tried and failed to clinch the elusive AFCON title. Over the years, the team have been criticised for poor performances in the tournament and it could be down to identity. With the tournament set to commence in January 2021, there is still no sign of a real identity which puts the nation’s hopes of clinching the trophy in huge doubt.