Ghana came back from their disappointing showing against Brazil to beat Nicaragua 1-0 in Spain on Tuesday.
Issahaku found the net in the first half and the team held on for the rest of the encounter.
Here are five things we learned from the game.
A needed win but there are still concerns
Ghana showed dominance against Nicaragua for most of the game, snuffing out their attacks and keeping the ball for long periods.
But, it is Nicaragua, an opponent ranked below the first 130 of the FIFA ranking and one that had just lost to Suriname the previous week.
Some expected more goals and cannot be faulted for making such demands. This game was the perfect one for the team to score as many goals as possible.
Yet, goals were generally hard to come by with the forwards showing wastefulness in front of goal. World Cup games will be won with the slightest of margins and Otto Addo’s men have to get the finishing spot on quickly.
Team needs to find a way to score more
The Black Stars finally managed to find the net against Nicaragua after going on a drought in some friendly matches.
But, the team should have scored more goals as Nicaragua were a much weaker opponent on the field with many chances created to score.It brings back the problem of the team’s struggles to find the net at a consistent level. In the last eight friendlies before this one, Otto Addo’s men have found the net in two matches.
This means they blanked in six other friendly matches. This issue would need to be solved quickly.
Alidu Seidu solidifies his claim
Following the injury of Tariq Lamptey in training, many expected Otto Addo to fall back on Denis Odoi, who had a torrid time facing Vinicius on Friday.
Instead, he chose Clermont Foot defender Alidu Seidu to take up the right back position.
It’s fair to say that he impressed in the role. Despite Nicaragua channeling most of their attacks in his region, Seidu stood tall, easily dealing with those challenges whilst providing an extra option in attack on occasion.
Otto Addo earlier stated that Seidu’s performance in the Kirin Cup earned another callup. This one perhaps earns a place in Qatar.
Mohammed Salisu is the future at the back
Over the last two years, Alexander Djiku has impressed Ghanaians with his dedication and quality at the heart of the defense.
He is viewed by many as a nailed on starter for the Black Stars at the World Cup two months on. When Otto Addo announced his injury on Thursday, some were worried.
But the arrival of Mohammed Salisu has allayed those worries. The 23-year-old showed glimpses of his immense quality in the second half against Brazil and did it again as a starter against Nicaragua.
He was calm on the ball, commanding at the back and an unbreakable shield for Ghana. Djiku would have some competition from Salisu.
Osman Bukari can give Jordan a run for his money
Since Otto Addo took charge of the Black Stars, he has started Jordan Ayew in almost every game, showing that he trusts him completely. Most Ghanaians in contrast have little faith in Jordan’s abilities and would rather see the back of him.
Osman Bukari might just be that man to eventually relegate the Crystal Palace forward to the bench.
The former Nantes winger has been in great form for Red Star Belgrade this season and showed glimpses of brilliance against Nicaragua.
The central American team was much weaker than Brazil. Certainly. But Bukari showed that he has the work rate and quality to challenge bigger opponents.
