With England constantly overlooking SAFC players, and the recent disparaging comments about our club from Fabio Capello just adding further insult, I took more interest in the Ghana v Togo friendly played in Antwerp this midweek, and thought I'd put together a quick article to see how our boys did...
First up, and good news for SAFC; Asamoah Gyan not included in the squad. Merely for the fact he's suspended for their next competitive game against DR Congo, and new coach Goran Stevanovic wanted to see what he has to work with for then. This is obviously very good for us, as we don't want our only striker to get injured in a largely pointless friendly.
Sulley Muntari made his return from a 7 month international exile, and started the game in a more attacking role than how we thought he'd fit into SAFC. He was largely impressive playing in behind Domonic Adiyah & Prince Tagoe.
Ghana largely played on the counter attack, using Muntari as the man to make things happen when the ball broke out of defence. Sulley himself also went close with a 30-yard piledriver in the first half.
Our midfield maestro was also involved in the 3rd goal for Ghana, as it was he who pressured and harried Togo defender Serge Akakpo into putting the ball past his own keeper.
Muntari continued his good form, and if it wasn't for the outstanding play of Domonic Adiyah, currently on loan at Partizan Belgrade, could well have walked away with man of the match before his withdrawl on 80 minutes.
John 'The Rock' Mensah also started for the Black Stars, partnering one time SAFC target, Isaac Vorsah in central defence for the first 55 minutes.
John was fortunate to be facing a Togo team devoid of the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, but was still unfortunate to give away a penalty for a mistimed tackle on Razak Boukhari. The penalty converted by Komla Amewou.
That was to be John's last involvement in the game, as shortly after he was replaced by Jonathan Mensah (no relation), who restored Ghana's lead with almost his first touch.
Another recent graduate from the Black Satellites (Ghanaian Youth Team) Samuel Inkoom added the gloss to a comprehensive victory for Ghana.
So a mixed bag for our lads, Muntari highly impressive, which bodes well for the game on Saturday with Spurs. John Mensah, less convincing for the Black Stars. That said, I don't imagine Bruce will stick with 3 central defenders against Spurs, and Mensah could have been the one to miss out anyway.
Signs are positive for them to put up a great performance against England in March, so join me in practicing this in your best Ghanaian accent...
"Arise, Arose, Arisen. Be quiet and don't be silly. We are the famous Black Stars, we never say die"
