Five Things We Learned From Black Stars Of Ghana’s Win Over Chile In Kirin Cup

The Black Stars clinched third place in the Kirin Cup by defeating Chile 3-1 on penalties after the game ended 0-0 in regulation time.

Abdul Manaf Nurudeen was the hero of the day, saving two penalties as Ghana got the job done with just nine men on the field.

Here are five things we learned from this encounter.

 

 

Ghana improved from previous game

Despite having a thin squad to work with in this game, Otto Addo’s men played admirably.

There was better chemistry between the players as they were able to string a number of good passes and created good opportunities despite failing to find the net.

The game showed that there is potential in this team and with a few additions, the coaches can create something special for the World Cup in Qatar.

 

Ghana have a penalty stopper in Manaf Nurudeen

 

Abdul Manaf Nurudeen is usually ignored in favour of Jojo Wollacott, Richard Ofori and Lawrence Ati Zigi.

But today, he got his chance and took it with both hands. The KAS Eupen was instrumental to the team’s build-up in regulation.

When it got to penalties, Nurudeen showed supreme confidence, pulling off two clutch saves. The other goalkeepers in the team would have to step it up to keep Nurudeen out.

 

 

Benjamin Tetteh can be trusted

Yeni Malatyaspor striker Benjamin Tetteh started off on the wrong foot in the eyes of fans, taking a red card against Gabon in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

When Otto Addo added him to the team for the Kirin Cup, the decision raised some eyebrows.

However, the 24-year-old made a good account of himself against Chile, threatening to score from multiple occasions.

He was unlucky to hit the post twice. On another day, he would have at least scored a brace. With Ghana’s strikers generally struggling to find the net, it will not be a bad decision to keep him around.

 

 

Calmer heads needed from players

With just a few minutes to the end of the game, Ghana were playing with nine men as two players were sent off.

First, it was Alidu Seidu who brought an end to a decent outing and Mubarak Wakaso who also played well prior to his early exit.

Ghana were lucky to maintain parity in 90 minutes. Against a better opponent, it would have been a different story.

The players have to maintain calm at all times, especially with the World Cup coming around to avoid dropping crucial points.

 

 

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku needs more polishing

Ghanaians were impressed with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s performance in the U-20 AFCON last year and always admired his confidence to take a shot from distance and score.

He eventually merited a place in the Black Stars and has been one of the first names on the team sheet in the last few games.

Despite his confidence, he can be wayward with his shooting at times which is frustrating to watch. This showed especially in the first half against Chile.

One thing is certain, he needs proper training from club and country on his shooting. He’s just 18 years and has a lot of time to learn.

 

 

Watch the penalties  below :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  3Sports