Ghana beat Swaziland to top group
by Gary Al-Smith 03 September 2011, 15:56
An uninspiring performance saw Ghana win 2-0 against Swaziland in the second leg qualifier for next year’s African Cup of Nations.
Goals from Asamoah Gyan and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu gave the home side a comfortable win and a lead at the top of the group.
Swaziland came into the game bottom of Group I and it was not hard to see why. They had three chances, with much of their play erring on the side of caution. After the game, Swaziland left satisfied, having expected Ghana to be more dominant than they were.
Also worrying for Ghana was Asamoah Gyan’s substitution just before half time after he clashed with two Swazi players.
Before then, the Sunderland man had scored Ghana’s first in the 8th minute after a good spell. Dominic Adiyiah had run down the right flank before crossing into the Swazi penalty area where Gyan powered a header from three yards.
Ghana were largely unimpressive for large spells of the game, failing to capitalize on the wide open spaces the southern Africans gave them. The flank play adapted by coach Stevanovic left the team predictable and uninventive.
Sulley Muntari’s central midfield positioning proved poorly advised, as his passing and approach play was inconsistent for the time he was on the field, with his best contribution being a free kick that got Swazi keeper Ginindza-Mdluli working. His second half replacement, Kwadwo Asamoah, tried to bring some bite into the midfield but he looked lonely out there.
Prince Tagoe replaced Asamoah Gyan and was wasteful, missing from less than six yard twice before his goal was ruled offside in the 73rd minute. However, it was his assist that, five minutes later, found Agyemang-Badu who lashed a 25-yard shot that beat the Swazi keeper after an awkward bounce.
Andre Ayew patrolled the wings but was not sterling either.
The standout players were the two positioned in front of the defense, Agyemang-Badu and Derek Boateng. The Fulham target Boateng was assured in his deep-lying role, linking up well.
Standard Liege’s Daniel Opare made a strong claim for the left-back slot but it was clear Ghana still needed a natural there.
Adam Larsen Kwarasey had a good debut largely because of the good screening he got from Jonathan Mensah and Isaac Vorsah at the back.
Ghana should be worried at the lethargic way their players executed their task, but in the end, they got the win which may be most important.
Sudan, tied on 10 points with Ghana before Friday, must now beat Congo to keep the pressure on Ghana.
Teams:
Ghana:
Adam Kwarasey, John Pantsil, Daniel Opare, Jonathan Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Dominic Adiyiah, Derek Boateng, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Andre Ayew.
Subs used: Kwadwo Asamoah, Samuel Inkoom, Prince Tagoe
Swaziland: Sandile Ginindza, Siyabonga Mdluli, Siboniso Malambe, Ntobeko Mthinkhulu, Sihawu Dlamini, Sifigo Nkambule, Thembacelicolo Mmema, Nkhosingiphile Tsabedze, Mbuso Gina, Dennis Masina, Mangloba Kunene.
Subs used: Bhemba Malunguisa, Sibonginkhosi Gamedze, Zweli Nxumalo