GHANAsoccernet.com rates the performances of the Black Stars during their 2014 World Cup qualifying 2-0 victory over Lesotho in Maseru on Sunday.
Fatau Dauda
Was virtually on holiday as he got a very good protective cover from the central defensive pair of John Boye and Jonathan Mensah. On the few occasions the ball Lesotho threatened they found the shot-stopper in good form. Rating: 7
Samuel Inkoom
The France-based defender played as if his life depended on the game. Playing for the first time in many months as a starter in the team the right-back hardly got anything wrong. He tackled well while putting Lesotho dangerman Lirepe under check and on the few occasions he went upfront he got his crosses on perfectly. Rating 7.5
Harrison Afful
Hardly does he put in a bad shift for the Black Stars and he was in his top shape thwarting several efforts from the Lesotho side. His versatility also helped a lot as on he came in as cover for the centre backs when they went on the attack during set-pieces. Rating 7.5
Jonathan Mensah
Was used as a first team starter in the absence of regular centre-back Isaac Vorsah. Mensah showed no signs of rustiness and he constantly held the Lesotho strikers in check with some timely interventions. Rating 8
John Boye
Never a bad in the office for the in-demand France-based pillar. Apart from ensuring that the strikers of the home side never got a ball behind him, the Rennes central defender continued with his impressive scoring record for his country. He latched onto a ball in a goalmouth melee to break the deadlock. For his performance he gets the Man-of-the-match award. Rating 9
Rabiu Mohammed
His talent is never in doubt. His presence in the team ensures that Michael Essien is never missed. His tackles were spot on, his distribution a masterclass He got injured in the mid second-half but continued to fight like a wounded lion. Rating: 8
Sulley Muntari
His experience showed in the game as his ball distribution was perfect. His fame ensured that he was constantly marked by but managed to outwit them on some few occasions. He substituted to shore up the midfield as he got tired. Rating 7.5
Kwadwo Asamoah
Playing in a more comfortable role as the playmaker behind to two strikers, his creativity caused some problems for the Crocodiles as they struggled to contain him. Future matches in this position will help his cause. One of the outstanding players for Ghana on the pitch on the afternoon. Rating 8.5
Richmond Boakye Yiadom
Worked his socks off as the striking partner of Asamoah Gyan but had few chances to demonstrate his finishing potential. More matches together with Gyan will serve the country well in future. Rating 7
Asamoah Gyan
Played a truly captain's game despite being tightly marked by two Lesotho defenders. Persevered with the way he played to the get Ghana second showed his predatory instincts. On three occasion he outwitted his markers with dexterity and the deftness with which he did it was pure class. Rating : 9
Christian Atsu
Since the return of Muntari Atsu has struggled to gain a starting place in the team. Change in tactics has ensured that the Porto youngster found a place on the left wing and his pace and trickery was a source of constant worry for Lesotho. The defenders had to resort to rough tackles to stop him but he was unperturbed. Rating 8.5
Substitutes:
Emmanuel Agyemang Badu
His entry after taking over from the tired Sulley Muntari added the much-needed energy to the Black Stars midfield as a time that Lesotho were oozing power and pace. He stabilized the attacking midfield and created some chances. Rating 6
Dominic Adiyiah
Kept the Lesotho defence on their toes with his persistence and pace after coming on for Richmond Boakye Yiadom. Rating 5
Rashid Sumaila
Took over from the often-tired Rabiu. He stayed on the pitch for less than five minutes so cannot be rated. Rating - no rating