A busy evening of football at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium ended with the Black Stars beating the Palancas Negras 1:0. With most of the focus on Chris Hughton, the Black Stars were far from their flowing best especially in the first half and were outplayed, outrunned by their opponents.
The game was hard fought from the beginning, with both teams having created decent openings without any end product. It felt like one of those games which would end in draw, until Antoine Semenyo smashed in to hand victory to the Ghanaians.
Below are six things we learned from the game.
Black Stars manage to grind out ugly win
Sometimes it is not about pretty football. It cannot always be easy on the eye, and that is the best way to describe this game. The first 45 minutes were extremely poor as both sides struggled to show quality in the final third of the field.
It would be fair to say that Chris Hughton will not have been all that impressed with what he saw from his boys on Thursday, especially in the first half.
A lot of sideways and backward passes, very little movement in attacking zones, a complete crisis of confidence, and aversion to attempting anything remotely risky.
It was not a match that will live long in the memory, but it was absolutely vital as the hosts secured all three points.
Hughton is yet to find the right system for the Black Stars and must do so quickly
When Hughton assumed office as the new manager of the Black Stars, many a Ghanaian felt they finally had the man to organise the immense talent that bleeds throughout the squad.
However, things did not work out on Thursday evening as Hughton's charges struggled to contain their opponents. The formula to gel the quality in this squad into a world-class team eluded him.
He has certainly retained majority of the Black Stars players that played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup but this was an extremely underwhelming showing from the Black Stars.
Kamaldeen Suleman’s final ball was often disappointing but he caught the eye with some neat touches and dribbles, which is more than can be said for most of his experienced teammates.
There was no spark in the Stars’ game, and the frustration of a victory felt inevitable. Hugh ton has a lot to do to get his team back in contention.
Of course, not all the ire has been solely at Hughton; nor the team's current predicament entirely his making. But the obvious point is if he cannot win supporters round with improved performances, then he will find it difficult at the helm.
Thomas Partey embodies Black Stars’ strength in depth
He may not have had too much looks in the Black Stars recent games but Thomas Partey provided a remainder that he is real weapon in Hughton's armoury.
An energetic presence throughout, the Arsenal midfielder shielded the ball with aplomb and showcased the desire to carry the ball forward when he did win it back.
His agility and passing range caught the eyes on the break and allowed Antoine Semenyo and Joseph Paintsil to work their way into one-on-one situations with Angola's goalkeeper.
It’s that depth that will give Ghana the best chance of beating the Angolans again on Monday.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Inaki Williams - it showed
From the off, Williams was on a mission, he was making his first start for the Black Stars on Ghanaian soil and relished stealing the show to solidify his presence in the new-look Black Stars setup.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t his day; he was pulled from pillar to post by the Angolan defence and rarely played in by those around him; understandably, he found it tough to hide his frustration.
If he was fit, then his performance was dismal and if he was injured, it raises even more questions as to why he remained in the game for so long.
Say it quietly; Adilson Cipriano Neblu is a good goalkeeper
Firmly established as the Number 1 for the Palancas Negras, Neblu produced another assured display between the sticks on Thursday. The goalkeeper has taken time to settle since he made his Angola debut. He produced the goods in both halves in a game to ensure the hosts would not win by a big margin.
Point blank saves and ability to organise his defence were a sign of a growing confidence and although he conceded a goal, his ability was never questioned.
Kumasi fans are the best
Kumasi and the Baba Yara Sports stadium has been favourable grounds for the Black Stars since time immemorial. Most Ghana’s enviable feat were achieved at the venue. En route to their first FIFA World Cup in Germany in 2006, the Black Stars pummelled and battered all opponents including a 6:1 demolishing of Egypt. It was the same venue that hosted the Nigeria’s Super Eagles in 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off with Ghana eventually besting their neighbours to book their ticket to Qatar.
The soullessness of the very stadium considered to be the cathedral of Ghana football is telling. Kumasi fans are legendary. They are undoubtedly the most loyal, most vociferous fans of Ghana’s national team. Whether it's the size, noise level or a combination of the two, the Baba Yara sports stadium is a horrible place to visit. At the same time, it is a great atmosphere for the home crowd.
The intensity of the Kumasi fans behind the Black Stars is almost palpable. From a distance they seem to bubble rather than jump and sway. Bodies are only visible between swishes of the rippling blanket of flags and banners emblazoned with emblems and messages for the favourite players.
Support for the Black Stars in Kumasi stretches way beyond success. Whole lives are pumped into every movement and every roar that convene to simultaneously shock and inspire awe to those that see them, hear them and feel them.
Black Stars pulses through the veins of every indigene of Kumasi, who embody that seldom celebrated spirit of Ghanaian tribalism. They are not the mindlessly violent minority; they are the beating heart, never surrendering their honour and love for the Black Stars. This was evident yesterday in a packed stadium.
