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Partey ‘ll be big in Ghana’s campaign
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Partey (centre) Ghana’s midfield loom
There has been an assortment of commentaries regarding Ghana’s upcoming involvement in the 2022 Qatar World Cup tournament, raging on the heels of the Black Stars’ recent two friendlies during the international break.
Talks of an ominous disaster in Qatar appears to have dominated the discussion, sadly, since the double friendlies – with a decent number of fans insisting that the Black Stars are not ready to compete for honours at the Mundial.
That interesting sense of pessimism was drawn from what they termed an uninspiring performance by the 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists. Well, can you begrudge them?
Do not forget Ghana has more than 30 million coaches, all of whom have their own football philosophy, strategy and sophistry.
For the records, Ghana slumped 3-0 to Brazil in the opening friendly played in France on September 23. The Stars made amends in a solitary 1-0 win over lowly-placed Nicaragua. Teenager Issahaku Fatawu netted 10 minutes before halftime in Lorca, in south-eastern Spain, with a rasping left-footed shot from outside the penalty area.
Ghana could have won the Nicaragua game by at least 5-0 had the team not been profligate in front of the post. That slim scoreline may have irked Ghanaians who thought the Stars could not be ready for such an engaging campaign that would demand ruthlessness in the goal area.
In the glum of that low conversation, there seems to be some glowing light. That glimmer is Thomas Partey.
Though he was penciled to show the stuff he got against Brazil, the Arsenal swashbuckling midfielder did not even take part in the two friendlies, ostensibly due to injuries. Was he really injured? The Ghana medical team says his absence from the Stars’ game was precautionary. Well, let us give them the benefit of the doubt!
Rather interestingly, he was full-loaded for Arsenal’s North London crack derby against Tottenham Hotspur less than a week later. Though his participation in last week’s Premiership tie will naturally raise eyebrows after missing the Ghana friendlies to stage a superb performance in their 3-1 win, Ghanaians would still be thrilled by his sterling show in London.
The Stars’ burly centre-man stringed a sweet array of gorgeous telepathic passes that drew lots of applause from the fastidious Arsenal home crowd, capping it with a goal of majestic quality.
Partey’s man-of-the-match performance may have been drawn from a 94.6 per cent passing accuracy; 65 touches, four great passes, 55 passes in total, two shots, and one strike on target.
And that goal – a right-footed corker that exploded into the top corner, was something special. Prayer of Ghanaians is that the Arsenal man maintain or even improve on his form whilst he endeavours to steer himself out of injuries.
It is the belief of many followers of Ghana football that had Partey featured in the two friendlies, a different story could have been told.
So far, Real Mayorca’s Iddrisu Baba has not demonstrated enough brain and brawn during Partey’s absence and could hardly be relied upon to boss the midfield. Truth is that, he needs to improve remarkably ahead of the campaign or face a shock exit from the final squad.
The Stars will take on Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in Group H at the World Cup finals, but before have one more friendly against Switzerland in Abu Dhabi on November 17; barely a week before their opening game against Portugal in Doha.
The degree to which they perform in this last friendly could determine how far they can go in their fourth finals in Qatar. Let us pray for them.
PlainTalk With John Vigah
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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