How the Zebras played

| Thursday January 26, 2012 00:00

Modiri Marumo (5)Not one of his best games. His old weakness of failing to deal with crosses once again surfaced. Twice he went up for a corner and returned empty handed, with the first corner giving Ghana the winning goal. He was however vocal throughout the match and excellently dealt with Andrew Ayew's powerful shot towards the end of the match.

Mompati Thuma (6) The lanky skipper closely guarded Black Stars danger man, Asamoah Gyan throughout the match allowing the Sunderland striker only one shot on target. However, he was nowhere to be seen when an unmarked John Mensah tapped in a corner to give Ghana the winner. He could have done better as the captain and marshal of the defence to make sure the goal posts are guarded.

Ndiyapo Letsholathebe (6) Marked his zone well, but was often indecisive once in possession of the ball and at times ended up losing it.

Tshepo Motlhabankwe (6) 'Talkie' did a good job at right back, though Ghana was not utilising the flank often to attack. He pushed forward on a couple of occasions in the second half and had two long-range shots on target. Mosimanegape Ramohibidu (7.5*)Often the weakest link in Zebras' defense, 'Twizer' played his heart out against the Black Stars. His combination with Phenyo Mongala on the left wing gave the Zebras a breath of life when attacking. He cleverly guarded Andrew Ayew to the corner before attempting tackles and delivered in good crosses when up front.

Mogogi Gabonamong (6) Did well to break Ghana's direct attacks from central midfield, but at times lost possession unnecessarily in danger areas. He did not go forward as much, allowing Ghana to dictate terms in the midfield especially in the first half.

Patrick Motsepe (5)Was not very comfortable on the ball, often releasing too early or delaying until he was dispossessed. However, he came close to giving the Zebras the lead in the 50th minute with a header that was cleared off the line by John Boye. Mogakolodi Ngele replaced him in the 60th minute.

Ofentse Nato (6)Had a very quiet first half, but was much visible in the second half. He often passed the ball backwards delaying attacks from the wings. He did not take shots at goal even when he had the chance to.

Phenyo Mongala (7) He had his confidence back for the match using his strength of taking on defenders.  He delivered a good number of crosses with one troubling Ghana goalkeeper Daniel Agyei. 'Mzambiya' came too casual finishing in a cross from Ramohibidu with a soft tap straight to the goalkeeper.

Moemedi Moatlhaping (7)Had a much improved performance playing on the right wing. Used his aerial ability well to help defend and also marked well when need arisen. He however, did not have much of the ball in the first half up front but proved to be more effective offensively in the second half.

Jerome Ramatlhakwana (7) Ghana captain, John Mensah gave him no room to maneuver before he was sent off in the 69th minute. He however, still had a few good chances at goal. He should have pulled the trigger early as the goalkeeper was off his line, before Mensah fouled him on the edge of the box. He was named the Samsung fair player of the match.

Mogakolodi Ngele (6)Came in for Motsepe in the 60th minute and gave life to the Zebras' attack combining well with Moatlhaping and Ramatlhakwana. His 70th minute free kick from the edge of the box hit the wall.