A day to forget for the Black Stars as they lost 1-0 to Sudan in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

Anything but defeat would have ensured Ghana qualify for the continental showpiece, but a poor performance in Omdurman, Khartoum means that qualification has been delayed for the four-time AFCON champions.

As things stand, Ghana and South Africa sit top of Group C with 9 points, followed by Sudan with 6 points and Sao Tome who have 0 points.

Here is how we rated the players:

Fatau Dauda – 5/10

Could do nothing about the header by Mohammed Abdul Rahman. Prior to that, the Legon Cities goalkeeper was a one-man barricade making some crucial stops to keep Ghana in the game.

Nicholas Opoku – 1/10

Clearly wasn’t comfortable at the right back position and struggled whenever he was on the ball.

Abdul Baba Rahman – 2/10

Failed to show up yet again and barely did what he does best which is going forward.

Alexander Djiku – 5.5/10

Ghana’s best player on the pitch. Made some important interceptions and won all his aerial duels. Sudan only broke the deadlock once he was subbed off.

John Boye – 4/10

Started the game well but distribution could have been better. Also, had lapses in concentration conceding a big chance against Sudan.

Afriyie Acquah – 3.5/10

Was combative as expected but failed to control the game with some rushed passes.

Mubarak Wakaso – 5/10

Was all over the place and worked tirelessly in the middle of the park. However, his end product was missing as he also made a few rushed tackles.

Tariqe Fosu – 1.5/10

Playing on the right wing didn’t suit him and could barely influence the game.

Jordan Ayew – 4/10

It was his moment as he was appointed captain of the side. Unfortunately, he tried to do too much and his decision making was poor most times.

Caleb Ekuban- 1.5/10

Won a number of fouls in the first half but that was just about it as he didn’t have space to operate.

Jefferey Schlupp – 0.5/10

A spectator through the entire game.

Substitutes

Samuel Owusu -N/A

John Antwi – N/A

Joseph Aidoo – N/A

Coach

CK Akonnor – 1/10

Failed to deploy a strategy to bring the best out of the team. Ghana never grabbed a foothold of the game and were dominated in the middle but Akonnor failed to react. The lack of ball progressors lead to minimal chance creation by the Black Stars. Also, playing Nicholas Opoku out of position when there were two right backs available left the center back exposed most often.