Ghana’s Underperformance Against Sudan Attributed to Thomas Partey’s Absence: Kwadwo Twum Boafo
Kwadwo Twum Boafo highlights the significant impact of missing Thomas Partey on the Black Stars’ performances against Sudan during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Partey’s absence, due to illness, deprived the team of crucial midfield control and leadership, resulting in a draw at home and a loss away, putting Ghana at risk of missing out on the AFCON for the first time in twenty years.
Kwadwo Twum Boafo, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress and an avid sports aficionado, has expressed concern regarding the Black Stars’ lackluster performances against Sudan during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He attributes a significant part of this underperformance to the absence of their skipper, Thomas Partey, who plays for Arsenal. Boafo contends that had Partey participated, Ghana would have had a more favorable chance of securing positive results in both matches. In a discussion with GhanaWeb, Boafo noted that Ghana’s performance was notably diminished without Partey, who is known for his influential presence and control in the midfield. He stated that the team’s ability to maintain composure and dictate play was hindered without Partey’s leadership on the field. While he acknowledged the efforts of players like Elisha Owusu and Ibrahim Sulemana, he suggested they do not possess the same level of skill or commanding presence as Partey, which is crucial for influencing game outcomes effectively. “I think Partey was a big miss. We passed the ball around quite well, but we lacked the control and mentality Partey brings, and I think that was a big reason we couldn’t beat the Sudanese,” he remarked. Partey’s withdrawal from the matches stemmed from illness following Arsenal’s encounter with Southampton. His absence arguably affected the team’s strategy and confidence, leading to a disappointing draw at home in Accra and a subsequent loss away in Libya on October 15. This string of results has left Ghana perilously close to missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in twenty years, a situation that has generated considerable concern among supporters and analysts alike.
The Black Stars of Ghana have been a historically strong team in African football, consistently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, recent performances have raised alarm, particularly in the context of their qualifications for upcoming tournaments. This article discusses the implications of key player absences, particularly that of Thomas Partey, on the team’s recent results against Sudan in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
The insights shared by Kwadwo Twum Boafo underscore the critical role that Thomas Partey plays within the Ghanaian national football team. His absence due to illness has proven detrimental, contributing significantly to the Black Stars’ inability to secure favorable results against Sudan. As Ghana edges closer to potentially missing out on an AFCON tournament for the first time in two decades, the need for strong leadership and consistent performance becomes evident. The future of the Black Stars’ campaign may hinge on the return of key players like Partey, who can restore the team’s competitive edge.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
