African News

Ghana v Mali ratings

Vorsah: A rock at the back

Take a look at our player breakdown of Ghana and Mali during their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash.

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Ghana

Fatau Dauda: Made a hash of an attempted clearance early on by handling the ball outside the box, but was otherwise up to the task and dealt with any worrisome shots on goal amicably. 6/10

John Paintsil: Initially solid and reliable at the back, but as the match progressed gave away several fouls for sloppy tackling. 6/10

Isaac Vorsah: His peroxided hairdo made him an unmissable entity in the match, but it was his tireless work-rate and uncompromising defence that stood out on the day. 8/10

John Boye: Looked to get forward in attack when he could, but was largely asked to suppress any attacking threat. 6/10

Harrison Afful: Had the freedom to push up field as often as he wished, and made his presence felt down the left flank as he looked to link-up with team-mates. 7/10

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu: Had Ghana's first real chance on goal with a well-taken header in the first-half, and earned them a penalty when he was brought down in the box. Was ever-present in attack throughout. 7/10

Albert Adomah: Provided significant support to the front-line as he looked to provide the link between the midfield and attack until his substitution. 7/10

Mohammed Raibu: Ran his socks off from the opening whistle, and much of the second period, but faded into the background as the match drew to a close. 6/10

Kwadwo Asamoah: Done the hard yards up front alongside Asamoah Gyan and Wakaso Mubarak, but just couldn't find a clean shot on goal before his second-half substitution. 6/10

Wakaso Mubarak: Scored the match-winning penalty and was a real threat in-and-around the box, but injury brought an end to his match in the second stanza. Was also booked for a silly T-shirt message celebration following his goal. 7/10

Asamoah Gyan: Lead his troops admirably and couldn't be faulted for his efforts to create a goal, but his opening strike for the competition still elludes him. 6/10

Substitutes:

Christian Atsu: A real live-wire from the minute he was introduced and could very well have earned a starting berth next time around. 6/10

Derek Boateng: Probed in and around the front-line from the time he was introduced in the second half. 6/10

Solomon Asante: Made the most of the limited time he had on the pitch as a support runner up front. 6/10

Mali:

Mahamadou Samassa: Was beaten from the penalty spot, but was otherwise solid between the sticks under pressure. 6/10

Fousseni Diawara: Fought hard at the back, although never really produced any telling moments. 5/10

Adama Tamboura: Had his hands full dealing with Ghana's determined front-line on the penalty box. 5/10

Adama Coulibaly: Gave away several free-kicks and fouls due to sloppy defensive work and late tackles. 5/10

Mahamadou N'Diaye : Battled to contain the likes of Mubarak and Gyan, resorting to poorly-timed challenges, and was duly substituted in the second period. 5/10

Mohamed Sissoko: Was surprisingly quiet for much of the game and seemed to be overwhelmed by the occasion before being replaced. 5/10

Samba Diakite: Looked to get forward when he could, but was otherwise far too busy in the middle of the park chasing down Ghana's attackers.

Seydou Keita: Tried his outmost to lead from the front and create something from the heart of Mali's attack, but was left frustrated after his two opportunities on goal came to nought. 6/10

Mahamane Traore: Struggled to make headway in attack and was made to work for the possession he managed to receive, but was also a culprit in giving away silly fouls before his withdrawal. 5/10

Sigamary Diarra: Made a few runs from the flanks, but struggled to find his rhythm up front and was duly substituted 5/10

Cheick Diabate: Much like Keita, he fought hard to create a moment of magic for the Eagles, but for much of the match cut a frustrated figure in front of goal. 6/10

Substitutes:

Modibo Maiga: Ran hard from the time he was brought on, but lacked the support up front to really pry open Ghana's iron-clad defence. 5/10

Samba Sow: Surprise introduction to the match, but seemed to show no ill-effects of the hamstring injury he's carrying. 5/10

Mahamadou Samassa: Had limited chances presented from the time he was on the pitch and was left tracking back on defence. 4/10

Posted: 24/01/13 16:46