Ghana (National Football)

Cameroon, in 1990, were Africa’s pioneers. Senegal, 12 years later, were one of the chief protagonists in the most unpredictable World Cup there has ever been. Both sides made it to the quarter-finals following superb efforts.

When Ghana repeated the trick four years ago, at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, it seemed like there was something more substantial about their performance.

There was none of the theatrical aggression and naivety that so characterised the Indomitable Lions’ summer of 1990. Nor was there any of the hapless defending that is often overlooked when considering Senegal’s outing in 2002—it’s easy to forget that had Uruguay completed their astonishing group-stage comeback (they were 3-0 down at half time but pulled it back to 3-3) there would have been no fairy-tale run to the final eight.

Ghana’s performance in 2010 can be considered Africa’s finest effort for two reasons.

First of all, they escaped from a taxing first-round group alongside Germany, besting dark horses Serbia and Australia, after some dogged, professional and resilient performances. They may not have been as memorable as Cameroon or Senegal—although Asamoah Gyan’s late goals were something special—but they were altogether more “in control.”

Secondly, while all of Africa’s quarter-final three had the semi-finals in their sights, it was Ghana, more so than their continental cousins, who came the closest.

Had Luis Suarez not raised a hand to block a goal-bound header in the final minute of extra time, had Gyan’s subsequent penalty not hammered off the cross bar, had John Mensah and Dominic Adiyiah not missed their spot-kicks, the Black Stars would have been Africa’s first-ever representatives in the final four.

They would have been heading into a semi-final against a fairly limited Dutch side…who knows what could have happened after that?

Heading into the 2014 tournament, it remains to be seen whether Ghana can recreate their 2010 showing.

In principle, at a glance, considering the resources available to them, the Black Stars do not seem to be that far off.

In the midfield, they can boast of two Champions League winners in Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari. Kevin-Prince Boateng has enjoyed a career somewhere near the summit of the European game, while Kwadwo Asamoah is a midfielder second only to Yaya Toure in the continental standings right now.

Up front, Gyan is a figure as talismanic as he was four years ago, when his goals saved the day against the United States, Serbia and Australia. He may have taken himself out of the central narratives of the world game with a move to the United Arab Emirates, but Gyan’s goalscoring prowess remains undiminished, and he is a player who enjoys rising to the grand occasion.

The likes of Christian Atsu, Andre Ayew, Majeed Waris and John Boye represent a more-than-competent supporting cast.

There are two reasons, however, why Ghana may well struggle to better, to recreate or even to approach their fine quarter-final outing of four years ago.

The first is the fiendishly difficult group.

While Group D, containing Uruguay, England, Italy and Costa Rica, is considered to be the toughest of the opening pools, Group G is not too far behind.

The Black Stars open their campaign against Jurgen Klinsmann’s United States in Natal on June 16.

Both sides will be aware, privately at least, of their status as group outsiders and will realise that their fortunes this summer may well rest upon this opening clash. We can expect a cagey contest. Although, with Germany and Portugal lying in wait, both teams will know that even a draw leaves them standing on the precipice of elimination.

While Ghana’s struggles against Germany, Italy and Brazil in World Cups past do not bode well for their matchups against these two European heavyweights, the reality is that there is little contemporary material to examine how the Black Stars will fare against elite opposition.

Their recent friendly against Holland was an incredibly stodgy affair, with few Black Stars players performing well. This didn’t inspire confidence that the West Africans can match their taxing group stage rivals.

While Ghana, in 2006 and 2010, escaped from tricky first-round groups (featuring Italy, the Czech Republic and the United States, then Germany, Serbia and Australia) neither of those pools featured a secondary threat boasting a player as unstoppable as Cristiano Ronaldo.

The second major reason why Ghana may struggle to match their performance of four years ago is the imbalance of their side and the supposed mismanagement of coach Kwesi Appiah.

There are major concerns in defence, particularly in the heart of the back line.

Fatau Dauda and Adam Kwarasey are both decent stoppers, but the former was dropped by the Black Stars recently, having endured a spell of inactivity at club side Orlando Pirates, while the latter has been struggling with a thigh injury.

Of the last seven games, Kwarasey and Dauda have started three each, and even now, less than 10 days from Ghana’s opener, there remains some confusion in this most crucial of positions.

In the centre of defence, Jerry Akaminko has been the key man and has started all four of the Black Stars’ last matches, including both legs of the CAF World Cup Qualifying play-off against Egypt.

Akaminko, however, has been ruled out of the tournament, having injured himself after landing awkwardly in the dying moments of the friendly against the Netherlands. With Isaac Vorsah failing to recover full fitness in time for the tournament, Appiah is left with a straight choice between Boye, Jonathan Mensah and Rashid Sumaila.

All three have their limitations, and none can quite offer the ball-playing skills and composure that has made Akaminko stand out over the last few months. Ronaldo, for one, will enjoy facing whichever selection Appiah opts for.

Finally, there remains an absence of clarity in the midfield. Despite being stocked with fantastic options, it’s an area that the manager has often struggled to get right. He did so in the 6-1 first-leg victory over Egypt in Kumasi, but it is unlikely that a midfield of Essien and Muntari will enjoy such liberty and influence in Brazil this summer.

Normally, Asamoah would set up stall in the middle of the park, be the rock upon which Appiah built his Black Stars elect.

That hasn’t happened. Asamoah, a victim of his own versatility, has too often taken residence on the left-hand side. His class means that he flourishes in this role, but he struggles to have the influence that he could if he was operating in the middle of the pitch.

If Appiah can find a compromise between the relative strengths and weaknesses of Prince, Essien, Muntari, Ayew, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Mohammed Rabiu et al, then Ghana might be able to trouble the giants in their group.

If the midfield malaise continues, then it may well be a swift farewell for the Black Stars.

Ghana face Libya in the final of the African Nations Championships in Cape Town tonight.

Both sides go into the final unbeaten having progressed from their respective semi-finals by penalty shoot-out.

The Black Stars saw off a strong Nigerian challenge in the semi-finals after a lifeless 120 minutes of play, prevailing 4-1 in the resultant penalty shoot-out.

The Mediterranean Knights overcame Zimbabwe 5-4 in their semi-final penalty shoot-out.

Ghana vs. Libya 

African Nations Championship Final

Cape Town Stadium, Feb. 1, 6 p.m. GMT

Preview:

It is not the first time the two sides have met, having played each other in the last two championships, as per Goal.com. Both matches ended in a 1-1 draw and few would bet against a similar stalemate in normal time, given the semi-final performances. 

Libya are hoping to lift their first ever African title, and have no injury concerns going into the final where they will face a depleted Ghanaian team. 

Defender Kwabena Adusei was sent off in Ghana's semi-final, while Yahaya Mohammed is a concern after suffering a knock to his knee. 

The last time the two sides met in the final of a major championships was 32 years ago, when Libya hosted the tournament. That time, Ghana prevailed 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziTWeaupHuQ

The African Nations Championship has strict eligibility rules, and only players who ply their trade in an African domestic league may participate. 

Tunisia won the last championships, which were held in Sudan, by beating Angola 3-0 in the final, as reported by Goal.com. 

Youth football competitions often tend to provide excitement in abundance, as talented young players go head-to-head without the tactical discipline that comes with experience.

The 2013 FIFA Under-20 World Cup is proving no different, with both Ghana and Iraq coming through marathon quarterfinal fixtures Sunday night.

For Iraq, the achievement is somewhat unbelievable. This is a team of players who would have yet to see their 10th birthday at the outbreak of war, yet they have beaten the likes of Chile, Paraguay and now South Korea en route to the semifinals.

A thrilling 3-3 draw with Asian qualifying champions South Korea led to a penalty shootout, with goalkeeper and captain Mohammed Hameed making himself the hero of the hour with a save on Lee Gwanghun to send his side into the semifinals where they will now meet Uruguay.

The later match between Chile and Ghana, though, was even better, as two impressive sides played out an enthralling encounter in Istanbul.

Ghana may have eventually emerged as winners, thanks in part to their outstanding fitness levels, but were twice forced to come from behind against a Chilean side who had looked better for long periods.

The Black Satellites' belief, though, was noticeable. Even when falling behind to a wonderful header from Manchester United's Angelo Henriquez in extra time, they continued to look for a route back into the game.

That route, for both equalising goals, came courtesy of the golden feet of 18-year-old Clifford Aboagye (pictured).

Ghana U-20 looked gone physically, but that was an incredible effort in final stages of ET to win. May have a star in Clifford Aboagye too.

— David (@davidjaca) July 7, 2013

The Udinese-owned starlet has faced some criticism after recent games but proved himself on this occasion.

Flashy footwork, impressive close control and an eye for a pass were the root of both assists and such natural dexterity is not easily taught.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vUHojzFiQs

He is not alone, though, in showing that Ghana has some creative players of note. While 16-year-old Moses Odjer deserves credit for his showings on the right of midfield, it was left winger Frank Acheampong who also came to the fore with two assists.

While his first assist, a regulation cross for Odjer to chest down and volley home, was fairly standard, his second was outstanding.

The Anderlecht player's quality of left-footed delivery had been evident all night, but with the game in injury time of extra time, he ventured to the right flank and offered the match-winning contribution.

But I'll you what.. Frank Acheampong has a bright future ahead of him if he continues this. Pace, power, technique, passing ability. Wizard.

— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) July 7, 2013

With the ball bouncing up, he headed it past his marker and showed a burst of pace to stop the ball drifting out, before lobbing a cross to the awaiting Ebenezer Assifuah whose header crept home.

Acheampong is nicknamed "Messi" in his homeland for his trickery and left-footed preference, and while that may be an exaggeration, he is a real talent.

Interestingly, the 19-year-old has taken an unusual route to European football by first moving to Thailand where he excelled in the Asian Champions League with Buriram United.

Ghana will face France midweek in a match that will see them taking on the tournament favourites.

They may lack the top-level experience of Les Bleuets, but there is enough spirit and indeed raw talent among this side to suggest they should not be written off.

Four sides remain from four different continents, as the Under-20 World Cup serves as a real demonstration of the increasing spread of high quality footballing talent around the globe.

Ghana U-20 vs. Chile U-20 (Sunday, June 7, 2:00 p.m. ET)

The finest young footballing talent on the planet will battle it out this weekend as the FIFA U-20 World Cup reaches the quarter-final stage. In the final last-eight matchup, the Black Starlets of Ghana go head-to-head with South American heavyweights Chile.

Both sides were impressive in winning their second-round matches, and this contest promises to be one of the most hotly contested of the four quarter-finals.

The pair did well to overcome tough opposition, and both will harbour aspirations of going all the way to claim the prestigious prize.

Route to the Quarter-Final

Ghana

Placed in the horrendously tough "Group of Death" with tournament favourites France and Spain, as well as the United States, Ghana’s competition began with a genuine baptism of fire.

Ultimately they were lucky to qualify as one of the best four third-place teams.

With the United States having sneaked a draw against France, the Black Starlets knew that they had to beat the U.S. in their last match to progress.

They didn’t disappoint, spanking their opposition, 4-1.

Despite losing their two previous games, the Ghanaians were at least impressive against much-fancied Spain, when they were narrowly defeated, 1-0.

The round of the last 16 proved equally as taxing as the group stage, and Ghana were paired with Portugal, who themselves had cruised through Group B.

Having taken the lead through Kennedy Ashia, the Black Starlets were pinned back by two goals…with just over 10 minutes to play, they looked to be heading out.

A late rally saw them through, and goals from Michael Anaba and wonderkid Richmond Boakye turned a tantalising tie back in the Ghanaians favour—seeing them through to the quarter-final.

 

Chile

Chile struggled in front of goal in the group stage. They managed only four goals, with only two other qualified teams scoring fewer.

They advanced from Group E despite being defeated by eventual group winners Iraq in Antalya. Their progression came on the back of a late victory against Egypt and a hard-fought draw with the English.

Against Croatia in the second round, their lack of a cutting edge became apparent once more. Heading into the last 10 minutes of the tie, the two teams were still deadlocked, with Chile unable to break down their stubborn opponents.

Nicky Castillo made the most of an opportunity that came his way with nine to play before the unfortunate Jozo Simunovic sent the ball past his own keeper four minutes later.

It was a killer blow for the Croats and proved enough to see Chile through into the quarter-final.

The History

There aren’t many nations that can boast Ghana’s pedigree when it comes to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

They claimed fourth place in 1997, sandwiched between two lost finals (in 1993 and 2001). They finally won the competition in 2009, beating Brazil on penalties in Cairo—becoming the first African nation to claim the title.

The senior side constantly looks to the youth setup to furnish their ranks, and this gives constant encouragement and incentives for the youngsters populating the U-20 side.

The Black Starlets will realise once again the benefit of underage tournaments such as this one.

A focus on youth is matched in their opposition for this clash; La Rojita are another side who put great stock in the development and success of their youth sides.

The U-20 team finished in fourth place on home soil in 1987 before going one better in 2007, claiming the bronze medal.

The Teams

Ghana are gently, impressively growing into this competition and must be taken seriously.

Aside from their opening defeat against a very impressive French side, they have done very little wrong in this competition, only narrowly losing to Spain and then showing their class against the U.S.A.

Against Portugal their explosive talent was once again on display, although it was their resolve and belief that most impressed me.

Their defence have looked more impressive as the tournament has worn on, and despite conceding two against the Portuguese, they became the only side against whom the lethal Bruma failed to score—a fact noted by my colleague Sam Tighe.

Forget underdogs, Ghana have tasted success in this competition before and know how to flourish in the latter stages of this tournament—they will prove testing opposition for Chile.

The South Americans have themselves been impressive and will offer a stern challenge for the Black Satellites.

Christian Bravo’s late winner in the opener against Egypt was a hugely important goal, and from that moment Chile have found the confidence to ally to their composure and class.

Even in hindsight, their defeat against Iraq isn’t so disappointing considering the Gulf side’s subsequent success in the competition.

Croatia were a big scalp, and Chile’s late rally will have given the side a sturdy platform to progress. The players will surely be backing themselves to beat Ghana.

Prediction

I wrote in my prediction for the Ghana/Portugal game that whichever side emerged victorious in that clash must be considered among the competition favourites.

I stand by that forecast, and I am backing Ghana—buoyed by their terrific performance against the Portuguese—to break down Chile, while simultaneously keeping things tight at the back.

The game should be an exciting and pulsating encounter, and I am expecting the Black Starlets to pull off a 2-0 victory.

Ghana to Win, 2-0

On Wednesday, Ghana defeated Portugal 3-2 in the U-20 World Cup Round of 16. Ghana, who had only qualified for the knockout stage with three points in group play and only slid through based on goal differential, managed to knock out Portugal, who entered the game as the top scorers in the tournament.

Here are four things we learned from the clash.

Tiago Ferreira Was Fantastic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4SUmQq2xJs

Portuguese center-back Tiago Ferreira, who plays for Porto, had a terrific game on Wednesday. Throughout the match, Ferreira did a great job covering for his outside backs, cleared away multiple dangerous services into the Portuguese area and was strong in possession, repeatedly switching the point of the attack for Portugal.

In the 71st minute, with Portugal trailing 1-0, it was Ferreira who found the game-tying goal for his side when he fired home a left-footed strike to bring his side level.

Bruma Couldn’t Make the Difference for Portugal

Bruma, who plays for Sporting and is a reported target of Chelsea, was very active on Wednesday, but couldn’t help Portugal get the win.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikRveRFmQPA

Twice in the opening minute, Bruma won the endline and fired balls into the area, but his teammates were unable to put them away. Aladje’s miss on Bruma’s service only 12 seconds into the game will easily go down as the miss of the tournament.

Right before the half, Bruma won a tackle near midfield and set up two of his teammates on the ensuing counter, only to have both of them squander their chances. In the second half, Bruma continued to pester the Ghanaian defense, winning two dead balls in dangerous areas and having a shot of his own clang off the post.

In the 92nd minute, Bruma had Portugual’s last, best chance, but fired his shot from a tight angle wide of the net.

Ghanaian Goalkeeper Eric Antwi Did a Great Job

Portugal had the better of the play on Wednesday, but Ghanaian keeper Eric Antwi did a terrific job keeping his side in the match. Only two of Portugal’s 12 shots on goal managed to find their way into the net and both were unstoppable.

For much of the match, Antwi kept his side alive making difficult saves. In the 13th minute, Antwi made two saves in succession off hard-driven Portuguese shots. In the 54th minute, Antwi did a nice job tipping another driven shot over the bar.

In the 32nd and 61st minutes, Antwi was quick off his line to stop Andre Gomes, who on both occasions had dribbled through the Ghanaian defense and found himself in alone on goal.

Finally, in the final minutes of the game, with Ghana holding onto the lead, Antwi was strong off his line on multiple services into the area.

Many of the Players on the Field Should Be Making Their Mark in World Football Very Soon

One the most fun aspects of the U-20 World Cup is seeing the world’s future stars, today.

Wednesday was no different as fans were treated to great efforts from players on both sides of the ball. Tiago Ferreira and Andre Gomes were both terrific for Portugal—Gomes, who is only 19 years old, already has seven league appearances for Benfica. Throughout Wednesday’s match, Gomes marshaled the Portuguese midfield and his ability on the ball under pressure is something that could make him a very special player in years to come.

For Ghana, Frank Acheampong, Kennedy Ashia and Ebenezer Assifuah have all been having terrific tournaments and could be big stars in the future.

To even a casual observer of the African game, the title of this article, and the argument set forth herein may be, initially, a little hard to comprehend. How can I begin to advocate the lily-livered, Sunderland-dropout Asamoah Gyan as a potential Black Stars Captain?

Indeed, at first glance, the striker doesn’t seem to have the constitution to be considered the leader for one of Africa’s heavyweights, and despite the general praise and backslapping that emerged from the heart of Pan-Africa upon his appointment to the role, I am still to be convinced by James Kwesi Appiah’s decision.

When I consider the key qualities demonstrated by iconic captains such as Roy Keane, Giacinto Facchetti, Ledley King and Bryan Robson, I think of loyalty, courage, selflessness, desire and determination.

Now, I am not one to regularly disagree with my chums over at The Chronicle of Ghana, but their suggestion that Gyan was chosen due to his ‘work ethic and incredible leadership qualities’ seemed to be stretching reality.

The recent Cup of Nations in South Africa provided a brief (yet fairly damning) litmus test. Against Congo in the side’s opener, the Black Stars were unable to halt the slide as a two goal lead slipped away, whilst they were markedly uninspired against Cape Verde in the quarterfinal. As has been their wont in recent years, they once again paid the penalty—defeat in the shootout against Burkina Faso in the semi, coming after they were thoroughly outplayed for 120 minutes.

It was often hard to identify the captain’s voice amidst the shrugged shoulders and inevitable capitulation of the Black Stars. Gyan was thoroughly absent; neither cajoling nor coaxing, encouraging nor emboldening.

With only one goal in the competition, the subdued skipper was a surprise choice for CAF’s team of the tournament.

The issue of penalties brings a whole new caveat into the ‘Gyan for Captain’ debate, as his career’s nadirs have emerged, uncannily often, when faced with the penalty spot. He missed crucial kicks in the World Cups of 2006 and 2010, as well as the Cup of Nations in 2012, and the narrative of failure is threatening to overshadow his respectable international scoring record.

It was brought to the public attention before the Afcon that Gyan had promised his mother he wouldn’t take another penalty for the national side—can you imagine a snivelling Roy Keane making such a vow to his Mummy!?

However, before this article becomes ‘Why Asamoah Gyan Is The Absolute Worst Choice For Ghana Captain’ I wish to seek the positives, and expand on two key reasons why it might just turn out to be an inspired decision by the Black Stars boss.

One theory which may support his selection for the role is that lesser men have risen to the occasion when they have received the responsibility that accompanies the armband. Indeed, perhaps it will take an honour such as the Ghanaian captaincy, or even, simplistically, such a show of confidence from the manager, to convince the former Rennes man that he still is the figurehead for this young and exciting side.

Asamoah Gyan: Will captaincy provide final redemption for an international career smeared by some crucial missed penalties? CC

— Ed Dove (@EddyDove) March 6, 2013

Maybe now, at 27, Gyan is primed to embrace maturity and step up into the demands made upon him.

Apparently he was honoured to receive the role, acutely aware of its significance, yet not overwhelmed by the pressure that accompanies it.

However, no matter how proudly one sings one’s national anthem, or regardless of the spin a press conference can make of a nascent appointment, it’s hard to breathe total sincerity into Gyan’s words when we consider his recent international retirement.

Citing poor and disrespectful treatment from the Black Stars fans following the 2012 Afcon, he announced his intention to take an indefinite leave from the international side. Now, call me old fashioned, but this is not the kind of loyal, patriotic behaviour one may expect from their national skipper.

Imagine Sir Bobby Moore calling up Alf Ramsey after England’s disappointing elimination in 1970 and announcing that he was taking a break from the Three Lions…no, I can’t either!

A second key reason concerns the long standing African tradition of talismanic forwards and attacking players taking the armband for their respective nation. A continent which has produced the mesmerising attacking talents of Kalusha Bwalya, George Weah, Emmanuel Adebayor and Didier Drogba—all of whom skippered their nations—has a certain pedigree for thrusting inspirational frontmen into ambassadorial or representational roles.

At the recent Afcon, over half of the sides involved—including Togo, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Congo, Niger and Ghana—had attacking players as captains. Whilst a number of attacking players were also captains of the side’s at last year’s European Championships, the likes of Robbie Keane, Andriy Shevchenko, Tomas Rosicky and Andrei Arshavin were among the most experienced, elderly players in their respective national sides.

The suspicion is that these talented African frontmen are awarded the armband essentially to ‘keep them interested’ in the national side, and to avoid abandonment the likes of which Ghana has seen before. In principle, it will be a lot harder for Asamoah to walk out on the Black Stars again if he sees himself as responsible for the successes and failures of the side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsmiiAJasXY

Despite all of the negative issues touched upon in this article, it is hard to argue that Gyan isn’t admired, if not revered, by his national team peers. It is evident in Puma’s recent ‘The Nature of Africa’ promotional videos how much the young Black Stars look up to ‘Baby Jet’, and how his voice is often the one that rises above the others.

These qualities may not have been prevalent at the recent Cup of Nations, but still only 27 years old, the striker has a prime opportunity to spearhead this talented generation of Ghanaians into the future. He will need to give every ounce to ensure that Ghana progresses from its tricky World Cup qualifying group, but overcome that hurdle, and perhaps, just perhaps, this talented and emotional forward can be the figurehead the Black Stars crave.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf8TcDcPqxM

One of the favourites for glory in the Africa Cup of Nations made it through to the final in the early match on Wednesday after Nigeria beat Mali 4-1. However, Ghana could not follow suit as they lost a one-goal lead to Burkina Faso and ended up being knocked out on penalties.

Ghana have not won the AFCON since 1982. They might have missed their best chance to regain that particular crown after failing to hold onto the lead against unfancied Burkina Faso.

The Burkinabe have, until this edition of the tournament, never progressed to the last four on foreign soil—but the story side of the tournament now have a chance to clinch their own title in the final.

Mubarak Wakaso scored an early penalty to put Ghana in front. With the levels of experienced players in the squad—a number of them successful in European football—the Black Stars should have been expected to see out the result and set up a massive final clash against Nigeria.

Instead, Burkina Faso found the resilience within themselves, which has seen them unbeaten throughout the entire tournament so far. They pulled level, with Aristide Bance scoring the all-important equaliser after an hour to force extra time and, eventually, penalties.

The one downside for the Burkinabe was the sending off of Jonathan Pitroipa, shown two yellow cards—the second for suspected diving. He will now miss the final itself.

As the game progressed to penalties, both sides hoped that they could find a final injection of quality. In truth, the spot kicks showed woeful technique for the large part and no shortage of frailness of mentality either.

Isaac Vorsah, Paul Koulibaly, Emmanuel Clottey and Emmanuel Badu all missed their spot-kicks, leaving Burkina Faso to triumph 3-2 on penalties.

There remains one more hurdle for the Stallions to clear if they are to win their first ever AFCON title, though they did finish ahead of Nigeria in the group stage.

For Ghana, though, it is very much a case of opportunity missed once again, as they complete four consecutive AFCON tournaments reaching the last four—without actually managing to win a fifth title.

Follow @karlmatchett