Fatawu Issahaku’s solitary strike saves Ghana from Nicaragua
Youngster Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was the hero for the Black Stars in their pre-World Cup international friendly against Nicaragua. The Blue and White who are ranked 139th globally according to the latest FIFA Coca-Cola ranking played with a well organized defence that limited Ghana’s chances.
However, the Sporting CP teenager made a difference for Otto Addo’s men after 34 minutes of play. He took the ball near the edge of the 18 yard box and sent a curler beyond the reach of Douglas Forvis in post for Nicaragua.
Coach Otto Addo opted to make wholesale changes to the team that lost 3-0 against Brazil last week Friday with Richard Ofori returning in between the post since coming off against South Africa in a World Cup qualifier in September last year. Salisu Mohammed made his full debut to partner Daniel Amartey in defence with Gideon Mensah coming in for Baba Rahman while Alidu Seidu took the place of Denis Odoi.
In midfield, Otto Addo opted for a double pivot with the pair of Baba Iddrisu and Daniel Kofi-Kyereh. Osman Bukari and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku played either side of Kudus Mohammed with Inaki Williams playing as the lone striker.
Ghana created several chances with two other balls entering the net but were choked off for offside. Kudus had a night to forget after missing the games best chances.
Andre Ayew was introduce with less than ten minutes to play together with Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer who was making his debut. Daniel Afriyie Barnieh also made his debut but only for a few minutes. Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo were all late substitutes and could not impact the game.
Ghana’s next assignment is against Switzerland on November 10, barely a week before the first game of the World Cup kicks-off.
