Ghana has defence issues to consider after Nations Cup win
Defence challenge for Stevanovic
Posted: 2012-01-24 21:35
As starts go, this was not the greatest performance by the Black Stars but coach Goran Stevanovic and many of those Ghanaians convinced Ghana can become African champions won't care.
Stevanovic had claimed before this match that Ghana would show the world why they should be considered favourites and while there were plenty of positives, Stevanovic has been left with a lot to think about on the back of this game.
John Mensah's tap in off a fine flick by Asamoah Gyan from an Agyemeng Badu corner kick in the first-half was enough for the Black Stars who completely dominated that period.
Agyemang Badu went close, Asamoah Gyan looked lively and at the back Mensah and his central defensive partner were barely troubled.
But then a moment of casual approach cost Ghana. First Sulley Muntari struck a free-kick at the Botswana wall and when the ball was puffed forward, Anthony Annan attempted a flick that set-up straight towards the Ghana goal.
Mensah gave chase and clearly on realising Ghana was going to concede took his man down on the edge of the box. He was red carded as a result and a bit like the 2008 Nations Cup in Ghana against Nigeria took one for the team.
It leaves Stevanovic with some serious problems in the next game against Guinea.
Mensah will serve a two game suspension which means Ghana's first choice center back paring of John Mensah and John Boye who will be serving the final of a two game ban against Mali will be unavailable. John Boye and Jonathan Mensah are likely to get the nod for that game.
It will leave the defence badly short on collective experience. Adam Kwarasey will be playing only his second Nations Cup game, John Boye too and there are major question marks over the full backs where John Paintsil did not quiet convince and Samuel Inkoom didn't bomb forward from the left. Masahudu Alhassan hit more stray passes in his time on as a substitute for Jordan Ayew.
So defence would be top priority for Ghana now and while the team will be happy for winning start given the Black Stars poor record in that regard, they will know that to make do on their promise of a 5th Nations Cup title, things will have to get much better.
Comment on this article:
TERMS OF USE: The comments posted below do not reflect the views of KickOff.com. Users are reminded that no misuse of this comment facility will be tolerated. Any abusive, racist or inflammatory comments will be deleted and the user banned. Please report abusive posts to editor@kickoff.com