These pre-World Cup preparations are ultimately about fitness, squad bonding and building a sense of confidence before the competition begins in the coming days. It is easy to get excited by results but they really don’t matter at this stage; regardless of beating a highly-ranked Switzerland.
The Swiss started with a full-strength side with Shaqiri, Xhaka, Sommer, Schar and Embolo handed game time, whereas the Ghana side missed Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus. Otto Addo’s side dominated the game and won courtesy a two second half goals by Mohammed Salisu and Antoine Semenyo.
Here are four things we learned from the game
Samed builds on brilliant start to season
The Ghanaian international covered every inch of grass for the Black Stars; retaining possession, and using his physical presence to bully the Swiss midfield. Otto Addo’s decision to keep the RC Lens midfielder on after half time was a reflection of how well he did in the first-half.
He’s a player Black Stars should build the team. He really justified his inclusion in the Ghana setup and could be one of the first names to appear on Otto Addo’s team sheet in Qatar.
Ghana did enough, but they need to find another level or two in Qatar
Friendly matches should never be looked in to too deeply, but those worrying trends that have consistently appeared whenever Germany have played in 2022 refused to go away.
They may have got the win but they looked laboured, slow and passive for much of the game; Yann Sommer was impressive, but he didn’t have too much to do, despite looking in the mood from the first whistle.
Addo may have learnt something; his midfield didn’t mesh properly. Perhaps he needs a new formula, one that loosens the shackles on Andre Ayew, who has failed to take his Al Sadd form onto the international stage recently.
It remains to be seen whether Ghana will regret leaving Jeffrey Schllup at home. But they were badly lacking impetus as the game went on, an issue that has already cost them in recent games. They must make sure it doesn’t when it really matters.
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh makes a positive impression
Addo made the decision to hand the Accra Hearts of Oak star his first Black Stars start. It would be fair to say that not everyone was convinced, but Barnieh made the most of his opportunity against Switzerland. With the Black Stars bursting with options on the flanks, the Hearts man has a real chance of getting some minutes in Qatar.
Barnieh was so careful and confident in possession of the ball. The 21-year-old hardly put a foot wrong in the game. He was always prepared to look forward, and showed that he can operate at this level.
There will of course be tougher tests to come, and it will be very interesting to see whether Barnieh features against Portugal next week. He has already made two appearances for the Black Stars, and can be proud of his second showing on the international stage.
Addo building a strong Ghana side
On paper, there is nothing particularly special about this Ghana team. Yet Otto Addo has succeeded in creating a unit which is more worth more than the sum of its parts- and that bodes extremely well for the side.
Every member of the team knew his individual and collective responsibilities on Sunday, and although there were moments when the Black Stars relied on a bit of luck, they generally carried out their tasks well.
The confidence he has instilled in the team suggests a bright future; they play a lot with a huge gulf in quality and Addo deserves the chance to build something long term if he so pleases.
