Ghana come back from the brink to advance

Lyndon Lloyd , 27 January, 13comments | Jump to most recent

Christian Atsu's Africa Cup of Nations adventure continues as Ghana turned the tables on both South Africa and their fate in the competition with two goals in the last 17 minutes.

The Black Stars were 1-0 down to Mandla Masango's stunning first-half goal and heading out of the tournament until a 73rd-minute equaliser by John Boye and then Andre Ayew's winner 10 minutes later put them through.

Atsu was named the official Man of the Match after playing the 90 minutes and helping to inspire the fightback that sent Ghana into the quarter finals as Group C winners where they will face the runners up in Group D.

Reader Comments (13)

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Phil Sammon
1 Posted 28/01/2015 at 02:03:31

Well he's been utter dogshit for us but I hopefully a few good games here can get him the confidence that all successful wingers require.

Does anyone remember when 'The African Cup of Nations' was called 'The African Nations Cup'? Who instigated that change of name?! It makes much less sense now.

Brian Cleveland
2 Posted 28/01/2015 at 05:34:44

Probably because nobody knew where or if to put an apostrophe!

Nations
Nation's
Nations'

All possible and with different meanings!

A bit cruel Phil to say he's been utter dogshit. He hasn't impressed, but he hasn't had much of a chance either... although I'm not holding my breath, I think you're being a bit hard on him...

Brian Porter
3 Posted 28/01/2015 at 06:49:35

If he can play this good, why doesn't Martinez give him an extended run in the team? He's never going to integrate with the players without having the opportunity to play regularly with them, and really, one has to ask, what is the point of taking a player on loan for one season and then not using them as much as possible?

We're obviously paying his wages while he's with us, so for God's sake, give him a chance to impress or fail in the only way possible...on the pitch, as a regular. Maybe that way we will see him re-creating his international firm.

Ian Jones
4 Posted 28/01/2015 at 07:26:22

Did he play in his preferred position which I think is the left or left of centre? I don't think he has been seen in that position yet for us.

Nigel Gregson
5 Posted 28/01/2015 at 11:03:39

So maybe Martinez wasn't being facetious when he suggested Atsu's return will strengthen the squad. Well good on him Â– he'll be 'like a new signing'!

Andy Meighan
6 Posted 28/01/2015 at 20:43:20

Er... am I missing something here? But who's arsed about Atsu and Ghana? It's not like he went off to Afcon in the form of his life, is it? His was a gamble that failed miserably and no amount of shite from the Spaniard will convince me otherwise.

Mark Boulle
7 Posted 29/01/2015 at 15:33:36

Is it really grating with anybody else to read these reports of how well Atsu is playing for Ghana at the AFCON?

I have no problem with players who are desperate to do well for their countries, on the contrary I think it's great. But he has contributed nothing to our season so far, pings a hamstring after 7 minutes in the one game he starts where there seemed to be some hope of a turnaround in fortune, then needless to say recovers just in time to star at the tournament.

All I can say is, he'd better bloody well come back fully fit, firing and actually make a difference in our final 15 games or so!

Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
8 Posted 29/01/2015 at 16:06:03

Andy, I can understand when you ask "who's arsed about Atsu and Ghana?" At TW, we have always tracked the international careers of Everton players... but, in this case, it does feel like a stretch, I have to admit. It's hard to look at him and say, "Yes, there is an Everton player, playing for his country..."

It's very hard to feel that element of 'ownership' in his case. He looks for all the world like exactly what he is Â– a Chelsea player who has really very little interest in Everton, other than hopefully getting a game now and again, accepting the reality that he would have no chance in his parent club's shamelessly bloated squad. FFP? My arse!

Andy Meighan
9 Posted 31/01/2015 at 23:10:04

Yes, Micheal, totally right. If he was starting a la McGeady, I may have looked to see how he was doing. But to me it's like he's never started a game for us, hence the cynicism. That added to the frustration in how I feel at the minute.

Other than that, I love your pieces... so, er, keep 'em coming!

Tahir Abdullah
10 Posted 01/02/2015 at 18:32:41

Atsu appears a confidence player; he was absolutely brilliant vs Guinea today, while being fairly average in group stage matches. Could be good for us if RM gives him a bit of a run in the side...

Breandan Clarke
11 Posted 01/02/2015 at 18:39:17

The quality on show in the tournament has been dire but his goal today was very good. If anyone's interested

http://gfycat.com/EasygoingRaggedAmericanwirehair

Sam Hoare
12 Posted 01/02/2015 at 18:49:42

Atsu getting what he has needed all season which is a run of games. Very strange to bring him in for just one season and not give him a decent chance especially given our lack of pace and genuine wide men.

Presume we will see more of him when he comes back; I still think he is capable of doing something for us.

Paul Andrews
13 Posted 01/02/2015 at 19:08:05

The quality of that goal. Technique of the highest standard.

Reminiscent of the great Hagi.

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