1. Chris Houghton proved once again that he is the wrong man for Ghana’s job
Chris Houghton might go down as one of the worst-ever coaches to coach Ghana. His 27-man squad was questionable as Fatawu Issahaku and Baba Rahman withdrew from the squad because he could not convince them to join the team. The inclusion of Andre Ayew showed how horrible his decisions have been for Ghana after the skipper has been very rusty in football. The goalkeepers he selected were not active except Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Richard Ofori has been on the Orlando Pirates’ bench throughout the whole season but he was selected by him. Joe Wollacott has been on the bench for Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League yet was selected. All these guys were selected ahead of Felix Kyei who has been incredible for Medeama SC in the CAF Champions League. Poor decisions from Chris Houghton have let the Black Stars down and I will be very much surprised to see Houghton retain his job.
2. Richard Ofori has blown his chance to claim the number-one position for Black Stars
Richard Ofori goofed big time for touching the ball which eventually won Mozambique a corner through which they punished Ghana. Richard Ofori has been Ghana’s number 1 in the last 6 games as he has been chosen by Chris Houghton at the expense of Ati-Zigi and Joe Wollacott albeit he is a bench warmer for Orlando Pirates.
Ofori has looked shaky and uncomfortable in Ghana’s post due to a lack of confidence and self-belief. He has been very quiet and slow and it is all due to lack of regular playing time at the club level. He has squandered the opportunity and trust people have in him. The error made will forever be with him as it ended Ghana’s hopes of making it past the group stages.
3. Time for Dede to say adieu
The son of the legendary Abedi Pele has been phenomenal for Ghana. He made his debut way back in 2007 and has since been an integral member of the senior national team. Andre Ayew equalled Rigobert Song and Ahmed Hassan’s record of 8 most appearances at the AFCON. He has played in three FIFA World Cups and therefore has seen it all.
Andre Ayew was brought on in the 46th minute to replace Joseph Paintsil to the dismay of many Ghanaians. He was seen struggling to run, press and make any impact in the game. The 34-year-old was once a pressing monster and physically looked good but has lost everything that can aid him to play at the top level.
Dede Ayew must retire from the national team as he has overpaid his dues for the nation. It is time Dede says Adieu.
4. Chris Houghton’s love for Baba Iddrisu was predicted to destroy him
Chris Houghton has made it clear to Ghanaians that Iddrisu Baba is his favourite as he has been his third-choice central midfielder. Baba Iddrisu is a pure defensive midfielder and it is always horrible to partner him and Salis Abdul Samed. It was very clear that danger was going to loom large the moment Baba stepped on the pitch to replace Ashimeru in the 37th minute. It is quite surprising that Chris Houghton hasn’t spotted the horrible nature of Salis and Baba’s partnership. Anytime Ghana has played Salis and Baba together, the shape of the team gets lost and the team struggles to create enough chances. Ghanaians have lamented about playing Salis and Baba as whenever the two have played together, Ghana has struggled but Chris Houghton has refused to listen to anyone since Baba Iddrisu is his darling boy.
5. Ghana Premier League has been disrespected
Richmond Lamptey has shone for Asante Kotoko this season and it is very shocking to find out that he was not even on the bench in any of Ghana’s three games at the AFCON. He is by far one of the most talented Ghanaian midfielders currently and deserved to enjoy some minutes especially when Ashimeru and Salis were struggling with injuries. His vision and passing ability are better than Baba Iddrissu’s.
Medeama SC’s duo Fatawu Hamidu and Jonathan Sowah did not taste a single minute at the AFCON. Sowah is the only natural striker Ghana took the AFCON but Chris Houghton refused to allow him to play by even playing Andre Ayew as a false 9 for Ghana against Mozambique.
Fatawu Hamidu is also a left-back who was called to be second to Gideon Memsah but did not taste a minute. simply because he is a local player. Ghana Premier League’s finest didn’t get any minute all because the league is not respected and trusted. How on earth can anyone convince me that Felix Kyei is not as good as Joe Wollacott and Richard Ofori? The Ghana Premier League has been disrespected and something ought to be done about it.
