Former Hearts of Oak assistant coach Hamza Obeng has expressed his belief that Daniel Afriyie Barnieh is currently out of form but backs the attacker to regain his usual top form.
Obeng shared his thoughts in an interview with Kumasi FM, stating, “Barnieh was not at his best in the game against Congo, which is why the coach substituted him. He was not involved in the game. Both he and Simba did not perform well.”
He acknowledged that Barnieh has lost his sharpness and attributed it to his lack of playing time at his club, which has affected his performance. Obeng emphasized the importance of match fitness and how not playing regularly can impact a player.
The Black Meteors secured a 3-2 victory against Congo in their opening match of the 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations. However, they suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat against hosts Morocco in their next game.
Afriyie Barnieh started the Congo game but was a substitute in the Morocco match. Obeng suggested that a different coach might have chosen to keep the FC Zurich winger in the starting lineup despite his underwhelming performance in the first game.
“There are coaches who could have still started Barnieh even after his underwhelming performance in the first game,” Obeng commented. He added that Emmanuel Yeboah performed well as a substitute, scoring two goals, and that a different coach might have kept Yeboah on the bench for the Morocco game.
However, he acknowledged that Ibrahim Tanko is the coach and has the final say in the lineup decisions.
Ghana exited the tournament after a 1-1 draw with Guinea on Friday.
