Aduana Stars looked to salvage Ghana’s plummeting image in the CAF Confederation Cup but had to succumb to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of AS Vita Club in far away Congo. Below are five talking points from the game;

‘MONEY BE PROBLEM’

Kenichi Yatshuhashi was forced to travel with only 15 players due to financial constraints. The root of this financial problem emanates from the dissolution of Ghana’s Football Association as Aduana Stars are unable to receive the money due them from CAF.

ADDO’S GOALKEEPING

The Aduana Stars goalkeeper wasn’t at his best in the first leg when he conceded a very avoidable goal. He followed suit in this game as his mistimed movements from his goal line gifted AS Vita Club two goals. Surprisingly, Addo had a great game as he pulled off some great saves. However, his achilles heel proved to be his inability to take charge of aerial balls.

ADUANA STARS’ LACK OF MATCH FITNESS

Due to the current state of Ghana’s football, Aduana Stars’ lack of regular football haunted them as in the first half, they were beaten for pace and sharpness on so many occasions. Aduana’s performance slightly improved in the second half but it was inadequate as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. Realistically speaking, it will be very difficult to see Aduana Stars progressing from this group, especially when you take into consideration the fact that Ghana’s league is currently on hold. There was also no sense of urgency when Addo spilled the cross which led to AS Vita’s second goal. One would have expected Addo’s defenders to quickly close down the AS Vita attacker but they looked on helplessly as he danced and wriggled his way beyond Addo and slotted in the second and final goal.

AS VITA CLUB LOVES THE WING PLAY

AS Vita club caused a lot of problems for Aduana Stars from the flanks. Watching the game, it was easy to detect the fact that AS Vita Club’s strength comes from the speed they possess on the flanks.

ADUANA STARS’ STRATEGY

One would have thought that Kenichi would set up his team defensively and rely on counter attacks. This was not to be the case as Kenichi opted to play a more open game. However, watching the game, it was very difficult to see how Aduana Stars were going to find a way through AS Vita’s defence. There was a lack of cohesion and unison in Aduana Stars’ play. It was difficult for Boateng to effectively link up with Yahaya Mohammed like we saw in the first leg. It doesn’t come as a surprise as Aduana Stars really looked like a team which hasn’t been playing competitively for a while.

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