Black Stars players rated following the 3-0 victory over Madagascar to kick start their 2023 AFCON qualifying campaign at the Cape Coast Stadium on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.

The Black Stars had a shaky first half but Otto Addo’s halftime team talk sparked the boys to deliver an outstanding brand of football in the second half as they ended the game with three goals.

Joojo Wollacott – 7

Tough the Swindon Town shot-stopper did not have much to do during the game, he was composed and commanding at the back. He did not rush for balls and communicated effectively with his backline.

Baba Rahman – 7
The left-back was sound defensively winning 7 out of 9 of his ground duels and was dispossessed just twice in 90 minutes of play.

Gideon Mensah – 8

The 23-year-old had to play as a left centre back with Djiku not called up to the squad and Joseph Aidoo picking up an injury during training. Gideon Mensah completed the most passes (62) in the match and provided an assist to cap off his brilliant performance. Aerially he won 2 out 3 duels and made 4 recoveries defensively.

Daniel Amartey – 7

The Leicester City defender looked very strong and deliberate on the ball by being the most accurate passer (95%) amongst players to play 45 minutes or more in this game.

Denis Odoi – 7

Popularly known as the professor, Denis Odoi, was excellent attacking wise. The fullback completed all his crosses (100%) and won 2 out of 3 of his attempted tackles.

Idrissu Baba – 8

Idrissu Baba was a silent killer at the dm position. Barely put a foot wrong and also won the most duels (13) in the match. He also had 10 recoveries defensively.

Andre Ayew – 7

Though the skipper of the Black Stars had a quiet game against Madagascar, registering just a shot in the 76 minutes he played he had a 100% successful dribble rate and did what was expected of him. Dropping deep to link-up play and attack opposition defenders in the final third.

Fatawu Issahaku – 6

Fatawu Issahaku showed a lot of intent up top. Trying shots from distance but he needs guidance as an 18-year-old. When to and when not to. Fatawu created 3 chances in the 76 minutes he played.

Mohammed Kudus – 9

The Ajax forward was the man of the match. He created the most chances in the game (6), had joint-most dribbles (5) with Fatawu Issahaku, and registered a goal and an assist to his name. Unbelievable performance from the 21-year-old.

Felix Afena-Gyan – 7

Quite energetic but very wasteful in the first half. However, he improved in the second half registering a goal and getting an assist to his name. The Roma forward has shown he has potential but needs patience and guidance to shape up to be the player Ghanaians will appreciate.

Jordan Ayew – 7
Jordan Ayew was the most fouled player (6) tonight. He was great up top creating chances and accurately passing the ball and registering a 100% shot accuracy.

Substitutes
Antoine Semenyo – 5

The Bristol City forward had just 14 minutes of play but complete all his passes. He had little impact as a debutant, but his off-ball movement and constant pressing is exactly why he was called up, forcing the opposition goalkeeper and players to misplace passes.

Edmund Addo – N/A

Was introduced for 4 minutes of play.

Osman Bukari – 7

Osman Bukari was brilliant. Looked very confident and was willing to take on opposition players and his goal was a clear example. He took on opposition players from the flanks and rounded the goalkeeper of Madagascar.

Mubarak Wakaso – N/A
Was introduced for 3 minutes of play.

Kofi Kyereh – 5
Kofi Kyereh was introduced alongside Antoine Semenyo and completed all his passes. Had little to defensively