The match against Tunisia was like war and the Black Stars of Ghana battled gallantly. They also kept their cool despite the various intimidating tactics and vicious tackles unleashed by the Tunisians. I also witnessed some of the most atrocious refereeing decisions of my life.

Adam Kwarasey (6.5): Another solid defensive display ensured that he wasn’t tested much. He dashed out at the right time to prevent a Tunisian attacker from latching onto a misplaced back pass and also dived full length to make a stupendous save in the second half. He looked confident and at ease in goal and cannot be faulted for the goal.

Samuel Inkoom (6): Did well at right back but he could have distracted the Tunisian attacker from getting a free header. He battled hard and fought for the team.

John Boye (8): Another solid defensive display from the agile John Boye. He was brave, and battled like a decorated warrior. In my opinion he has emerged as one of Africa’s most deadly defenders.

John Mensah (7.5): Typical Captain’s game from the experienced John Mensah. Great goal and as usual as solid as a rock. He was unfortunate to have been stretched off as a result of that vicious tackle.

Massawudu Alhassan (6): He made some timely interventions but he seemed nervous as the Tunisians launched waves upon waves of attacks on the left flank. He made some mistakes which could have been costly for the team. However he made some important interventions as he was made to overwork by the crafty Tunisians. Any weak-hearted defender would have carved in easily due to the incessant attacks from the Tunisian right wing.

Anthony Annan (6.5): As usual gritty and battled like a warrior.

Agyemang-Badu (7.5): Solid and warrior-like display but struggled together with Anthony Annan to bring the much needed stability to the midfield.

Kwadwo Asamoah (7): Closely matched but he was able to put himself in the game with some tireless work.

Andre Ayew (8): Dede was all over the pitch and he played like he has three hearts. He was brutally hacked several times and even received a stump to his chest but he still battled on. He also kept his composure to score from close range. A great warrior!

Sulley Muntari (6.5): he exhibited some exciting footwork and he worked tirelessly for the team. He didn’t’ have the space to unleash his usual thunderbolts and the Tunisians also looked too swift for him. Great diving technique to flick the corner for John Mensah to score the opener.

Asamoah Gyan (5): Struggled to impose himself on the game and he was effectively shackled out. As usual the defense splitting passes from the midfield and inviting crosses from the wings were missing and they conspired to keep our top marksman out of the game.

Subs:

Isaac Vorsah (7): Solid and assured display from Vorsah. His nervy performance against Guinea was totally absent and he oozed confidence.

Jordan Ayew (7): Sleek attacking display from the youngster. He wasn’t overawed by the occasion and had the confidence to take on the Tunisians. He fell back to defend when necessary, he was also fearless, slick and quick on his feet. I am sure this performance has quickly dispelled all doubts about his ability. Another star is born!

Prince Tagoe (4.5): Tagoe was missing from the game and he looks like a player who is short on confidence. However you can also not blame him because he was thrust into the game at a time when we had a non-existent midfield and the team was under incessant pressure.

My recommendations

1. Derek Boateng should at least have been introduced instead of Prince Tagoe as Boateng has the ability to hold the ball, give piercing passes and also break attacks. He has that uncanny ability to propel the team from midfield like Essien and for Christ’s sake someone please tell the coach to use him!!!!

2. When Painstil was dropped to the bench I was hoping that Opare was going to start. Please Start Opare at right back. He is more solid, faster and grittier than both Inkoom and Paintsil.

A great team is a team that is able to grind out a result no matter how badly they play and Ghana, my beloved country is a great team!!!! No doubt!!!! Go Ghana, Go!!!!!!

Nana Yaw Kesse (nykesse@firstcapitalplus.net)