Sometimes just one moment makes a game, and Alex Djiku’s fortuitous goal lifted Ghans to a 1-0 win over Mali in a scrappy affair at Accra Sports Stadium on Monday.
There were stars other than Kwasi Sibo, but they were mostly limited to the back end on both sides as attackers struggled to assert themselves in this would-be World Cup ticket scrap.
So who starred and slumped for host Ghana?
Ghana vs Mali player ratings out of 10
Benjamin Asare: 6.5 — Had an off day as Mali hardly got past the back line to test him.
Caleb Yirenkyi: 7 — Built early an relationship with Kudus down the right flank. He marshaled his line pretty well, but his he hardly had any balls in the box to cause any damage.
Mohammed Salisu: 6.5 — He stepped in place Jerome Opoku and provided authority, ensuring hos goalkeeper had a field day.
Alexander Djiku: 7.5 — almost led the team with a horrible just right before the box, but recovered strongly to protect his line and scored the eventul winner which gives Ghana a breather.
Gideon Mensah: 5 — Had quite a difficult outing for the second time running. Zero deliveries and floppy passes.
Jonas Adjetey: 5 – not the best of outing, but not completely out of sort.
Thomas Partey: 7.5 — Had the appetite to play tonight with great driving runs.
Kwasi Sibo: 8 — A tidy debut saw him exit the game as the only player to have created multiple chances.
Mohammed Kudus: 7 — His best day so far in a Liverpool shirt before limping off with what the Reds will hope is simply a cramp.
Jordan Ayew: 5.5 — Effective only for a short stint around the hour mark. Not in good form.
Antoine Sermenyo: 5.5 — Strong and physical, but quiet and wasteful in the final third.