Ghana’s dream of winning the 2017 African cup of nations to end a 35 years drought has been shattered by Cameroon on thursday in Francevile, Gabon.
The indomitable lions kicked out Ghana Black Stars after an impressive 2-0 win over the Ghanaians at the semis of the AFCON tournament.
HERE IS OUR TALKING POINTS AFTER THE GAME.
1. INDOMITABLE LIONS DOMINATED TO WIN:
It was a stunner performance by the Cameroonians. They outplayed Ghana in all departments of the game which produced the result after proceedings. From defense, midfield and the attack the Indomitable lions ensured they dominated these area to find their way to the finals of the 2017 AFCON.
2. NERVOUS RAZAK BRIMAH:
He had been on the lips of many Ghanaians before the game for all the negative reasons. The Ghana keeper after Ghana’s qualification to the Semis took to facebook to blast his critics who are in Ghana using the F word for them. This led to many Ghanaians calling for his dismissal but Coach Avram had different ideas and chose to keep him in post. From his posture throughout the game, it was glaring the outburst had effect on him which might have caused the first goal of Cameroon.
3. AVRAM GRANT GAMBLE’S BACK FIRED:
Prior to the game there’s was an intense management meeting between the leadership of Ghana football and the former Chelsea manager contemplating to drop the fined Keeper. The leadership of the FA had insisted the keeper must be sidelined but Grant stood firm with his position to maintain him ahead of 2nd Choice Fatau Dauda which many suggested. Grant will be affected with his risk he took in Razak and Razak will also face the consequences of not returning to the team as number 1 goalie for the nation.
4: ASAMOAH WAS MISSED:
Not fully fit Asamoah Gyan started the game at the 75th minute of proceedings, 2 minutes after the Cameroonians took the lead through Michael Nkandu. Ghana in the first half of the game was lethargic as ever since the start of the tournament. Asamoah’s presence in the last 15 minutes of the game brought some vibe to the Ghana team showing signs to have pulled level terms but the half fit player’s efforts wasn’t enough with the time.
GHANA 2008 FINAL REPLAY:
It will be recalled in 2008 when Ghana hosted the tournament, Cameroon played Egypt in the final where Egypt beat Cameroon to lift the trophy. After 9 years both nation get to meet again in Gabon 2017 at the grand finale. Interestingly Cameroon defeated Ghana 1-0 to have booked a place in the finals 9 years ago at the Accra Sports Stadium, and again, today the beat Ghana to 2-0 to secure a grand finale ticket in Gabon to play Egypt again.
FOLLOW: Nazir Hamzah @Oseikromniiba