- Antoine Semenyo scored twice and provided an assist in Bournemouth’s 3–1 win.
- Kudus Mohammed netted his first goal of the season for Tottenham Hotspur.
- Thomas Partey played a full 90 minutes but couldn’t prevent Villarreal’s defeat to Real Madrid.
- Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare kept a clean sheet for Hearts of Oak in a goalless draw.
- Defenders Mohammed Salisu, Alidu Seidu, and Alexander Djiku all completed full matches for their clubs.
- Brandon Thomas-Asante, replacing Inaki Williams, scored a brace for Coventry City.
- Mixed defensive performances as some Ghanaian keepers and defenders conceded crucial goals.
As Ghana’s national team gears up for their World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali, several players in the current squad showcased promising form for their clubs over the weekend. From dominant goalkeeping performances in Accra to goal-scoring exploits in England, the weekend offered a clear picture of Ghana’s strengths—and lingering weaknesses—heading into international duty.
In the local league, Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare stood tall between the posts, securing a hard-earned clean sheet against Bechem United. Meanwhile, abroad, St. Gallen’s Lawrence Ati-Zigi and St. Patrick’s Joseph Anang endured tough outings, conceding two and three goals respectively in losses that exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
Across Europe, Ghana’s defenders had contrasting fortunes. Stade Rennes’ Alidu Seidu and Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu both lasted the full match in draws that tested their resilience. Gideon Mensah’s AJ Auxerre fell narrowly to Lens, while Alexander Djiku could not prevent Spartak Moscow from slipping to defeat in a high-scoring Moscow derby.
In midfield, Thomas Partey’s outing with Villarreal ended in disappointment as Real Madrid proved too strong at the Bernabeu. Elisha Owusu also featured prominently in Auxerre’s loss, while Kudus Mohammed reignited his spark in England—scoring his first goal of the season for Tottenham Hotspur in their 2–1 win over Leeds United.
Up front, the attack-minded stars led by example. Antoine Semenyo dazzled for Bournemouth, scoring twice and providing an assist in a thrilling comeback against Fulham. Brandon Thomas-Asante, who steps in for the injured Inaki Williams, announced his presence with two goals for Coventry City. Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku also found the net with a stunning solo effort, underscoring Ghana’s growing depth in attack.
The performances over the weekend painted a vivid picture of Ghana’s footballing direction—a mixture of promise, power, and a few lingering cracks that must be addressed before the World Cup qualifiers.
Offensively, the Black Stars look potent. With Semenyo’s explosive display and Kudus finally finding the back of the net, Ghana’s attacking front seems sharper and more confident than it has been in recent months. Brandon Thomas-Asante’s double only reinforces that sense of optimism, offering the team yet another reliable option up front. The goals came not from luck, but from intelligent positioning and relentless determination—qualities that Ghana has often lacked in competitive fixtures.
However, while the forwards and creative midfielders are finding their rhythm, the same cannot be said for the defensive and goalkeeping units. Ati-Zigi and Anang’s recent performances suggest inconsistency between the sticks, and the defensive line—though full of effort—continues to show vulnerability under pressure. Players like Djiku and Salisu bring composure and strength, but Ghana’s recurring issue of defensive coordination remains unsolved. It’s an area that must be tightened if the team is to withstand the quick, physical style of Chad and the tactical fluidity of Mali.
Midfield balance will also be crucial. Partey’s form at Villarreal indicates he is fit and ready, but the link between midfield control and attacking output remains delicate. Ghana must build on the growing chemistry between Kudus and the forwards, allowing creative freedom without sacrificing defensive discipline.
Overall, this weekend’s performances offer a mixed but hopeful outlook. The hunger is visible, the goals are coming, and several key players are hitting form at the perfect time. Yet, the defensive lapses serve as a warning: flair alone won’t guarantee qualification. If the coaching team can forge unity and consistency across all departments, Ghana could enter the qualifiers not just as participants—but as a resurgent force ready to reclaim its place on the world stage.
