Ghana’s national team players, often under scrutiny for their performances in international matches, have responded in spectacular fashion on the European stage. This comes after Black Stars coach Otto Addo made a critical statement about the current team during the recent international break. Addo remarked:
“Sometimes I think people are a little stuck in the past and we always refer to the past. I can’t compare our players who have been playing for Chelsea, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan. We had all these kinds of players. I can’t compare them with all due respect to our players now. Maybe they will get there but we are not there now.”
Despite these comments and their disappointing performances in international play, several Black Stars players stepped up with crucial contributions for their respective clubs, proving that they have the quality to compete at the highest level. Here’s a rundown of their standout performances this weekend.
Read also: Know the routes blocked by police in the capital this holiday weekend
Inaki Williams – Athletic Bilbao
After struggling during the international break, including a quiet match against Sudan, Inaki Williams bounced back in emphatic style for Athletic Bilbao. The dynamic forward scored two goals in the space of two minutes, helping his team secure a 4-1 victory over Espanyol in La Liga. His pace and sharp finishing were key as Bilbao continues to push for European qualification.
Jordan Ayew – Leicester City
Jordan Ayew was at the heart of the drama in Leicester City’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Southampton in the Premier League. The experienced forward netted a last-minute goal to seal all three points for his team. Ayew has been in the headlines recently due to rumors of unrest in the Black Stars camp, but his match-winning performance silenced his critics.
Fatawu Issahaku – Leicester City
Leicester’s young star Fatawu Issahaku played a pivotal role in their victory, making a game-changing cameo appearance. Substituted on with Leicester trailing 2-0, Issahaku provided an assist and was instrumental in his team’s resurgence. His energy and creativity were vital in turning the match around.
Mohammed Kudus – West Ham United
West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, who captained Ghana during the international break, had an eventful outing in a high-stakes London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Kudus opened the scoring with a superb goal but was later sent off following an altercation. His dismissal could result in a multi-match suspension, but his impact on the game was undeniable.
Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth
Antoine Semenyo continued his excellent start to the Premier League season by playing a crucial role in Bournemouth’s surprising 2-0 victory over Arsenal. Semenyo completed the most dribbles and boasted the highest passing accuracy on the pitch, showcasing his technical ability against one of the league’s top teams.
Baba Rahman – PAOK
Ghanaian left-back Baba Rahman found the back of the net for the first time this season, scoring in PAOK’s 2-1 win over AEK Athens in the Greek Super League. Rahman, who has not been called up for the recent Black Stars fixtures, continues to impress at club level after an outstanding campaign last season, where he registered six goals and three assists.
Gideon Mensah – Auxerre
Left-back Gideon Mensah provided his first assist of the season, helping Auxerre claim a 2-1 victory over Reims in Ligue 1. Known for his defensive solidity, Mensah’s attacking contributions will boost his team’s chances in their domestic campaign.
Osman Ibrahim – Feyenoord
Osman Ibrahim scored his first goal for Feyenoord since joining on loan from Brighton. The young forward has been gradually finding his feet in the Dutch Eredivisie, and his goal will give him the confidence to push for more in the weeks ahead.
These performances will no doubt fuel the ongoing debate about the quality of the current Black Stars squad. While there may be gaps in their international consistency, their individual brilliance on the club stage suggests they are capable of reaching greater heights.
