2023 AFCONQ: Ghana 1-0 Angola: Player Ratings – Partey shines, Mensah struggles

In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament, Ghana defeated Angola 1-0 to take the lead in Group E.

Black Stars coach Chris Hughton would have been happy to see his term begin with a victory as Antoine Semenyo's last-second goal gave his team all three points.

Joy Sports rates the performance of the players.

Ati-Zigi 6.5

Had very little to do all game but on the few occasions he was called upon, he responded. Came out of his post a few times to great effect in dealing with counter-attacks.

Denis Odoi 6.5

Good first half and combined neatly with Jordan Ayew. His crosses still need a bit of work and he fizzled out towards the end.

Gideon Mensah 5.5

Struggled, especially in the first half. With Kamaldeen Sulemana not tracking back to help, Mensah was left exposed and had torrid fine dealing with Helder Costa.

Daniel Amartey 6.5

Decent performance from the Leicester City man who, alongside Djiku limited Angola’s threats and prevented them from getting shots on target. Very lucky not to giveaway a penalty.

Alexander Djiku 7.0

One of Ghana’s better performers on the day. Resolute throughout and gave no space to Angola’s danger men – Mbala Ndola and Gelson Dala. Unfortunate to pick an injury in the second half.

Edmund Addo 6.5

Decent performance for Ghana’s deep-lying midfielder. Sat back neatly and allowed Thomas Partey the freedom to dictate the game. Needs to work on his passing. Rightly subbed off for Salis Abdul Samed as he got tired towards the end.

Thomas Partey 8.5

One of his better performances in a Ghana shirt. Commanded the middle of the park and caused troubles for the Angolan defense with his threading passes. Played like the captain he was on the day. Leader.

 

Kudus Mohammed 6.5

The Ajax man has had better games. After a decent first half where he looked dangerous every time he moves forward, he faded in the second half. Still delivered a dangerous setpiece which resulted in the goal, but overall, the setpiece delivery could be better as well.

Jordan Ayew 6.0

Worked hard as always and found good openings at times. Disappointing he didn’t make more them. Forced a great save from the Angolan goalkeeper. Also needs to work at his setpiece delivery.

Kamaldeen Sulemana 6.5

Rapid pace, good dribbling but has to work on his decision-making. Tried to do too much all by himself, when the better option was to find a teammate. Remained a dangerous outlet throughout.

Inaki Williams 5.0

He looked lost most of the much. He’s still struggling to for chemistry with his teammates. Found it difficult to deal with the long balls and should have come off much earlier. Worked hard though.

Substitutes

Antoine Semenyo 7.0

Brought more presence to the center forward role than Inaki Williams did. More dynamic with his play and not afraid to take on defenders. Right place, right time to smash in the winner.

Joseph Paintsil 5.5

Given 20 plus minutes to make his mark after replacing Jordan Ayew on the right flank. Did okay.

Osman Bukari 5.5

Replaced Kamaldeen on the left flank. Had better options but always chose to drift in-field looking to shoot.

Joseph Aidoo 6.0

Replaces the injured Djiku and formed a good partnership with Amartey.

Salis Abdul Samed 6.0

Brought some new energy in the midfield. Good comeo.

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