The Black Galaxies lost their Group C opener top Madagascar on Sunday night. Solomampionona Razafindranaivo gave the Bareas an early lead and Olivier Randriatsiferana doubled their lead after the interval. Ghana’s consolation came through substitute Augustine Agyapong.
Here are four thing we learned from the game.
Black Galaxies Aren't What We Thought They Were
There was plenty of prophesying at the start of this tournament as to Black Galaxies’ potential for a final. And, if not, then surely no lower than the semis. It turns out, the Black Galaxies are no better than any other decently equipped, recently team at the tournament. Yes, they have quality, but they're still adjusting, and they're certainly not world beaters. Indeed, their defeat to Madagascar have forced us to readjust our beliefs in the team.
Perhaps the most worrying thing for Annor Walker, though the result wasn’t great, is the way in which they lost. On Sunday night, their vaunted midfield was unable to arrest any control of the game, and the possession share has not been what he would expect.
They probably will advance from the group, but they definitely don't look like tournament favourites as it stands.
Madagascar Are Going to Be Fun to Watch
In the qualifiers, Madagascar played some hugely exciting football. They may have laboured to a 2-1 win over Ghana in their opening game at the Stade Mohamed- Hamlaoui, but it was clear that they'll be a good watch in the tournament as well.
Going forward, Madagascar actually caused Ghana plenty of problems and certainly deserved their goals and victory, but their determination to attack also caused them countless problems in defence. They'll score goals and they will concede plenty, which sounds like the dream for neutral fans.
R.F.R. Rakotondrabe knows how he wants his team to play and shows no signs of changing that. If he can work on defence, they could easily be the tournament’s surprise package.
Augustine Randolf Had A Game to Forget
Arguably, the best in his position in Ghana’s elite league, the Karela United man had a game to forget on Sunday night. The 21- year-old was giving a good account of himself in Annor Walker’s side as he looked lively from the start. He was involved in all the positive play the Black Galaxies were able to conjure and gave a glimpse of what he can offer them for the remainder of the game.
Sadly, he is also to be blamed for the two goals his side conceded hence their defeat as his two errors resulted in goals. He was replaced after the second goal by Augustine Agyapong and Agyapong got Ghana’s consolation minutes after entering the pitch.
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh offered nothing in attack
While Madagsacar deserve credit for holding Ghana at arm’s length for the majority of the second half, Walker’s side could have done much more to break their opponents down. Barnieh was incredibly wasteful in possession and was often guilty of taking too long to move the ball on, while David Abagna Sandan was largely kept quiet.
The introduction of Sylvester Simba gave the Black Galaxies more thrust in the centre of the park, that was not enough to rescue a point for the Ghanaians.
By: Godfred Budu
