Africa-Press – Ghana. Ghana coach Otto Addo has revealed that he played Gideon Mensah in the central position against Madagascar rather than his preferred left-back position in order to maximise his effectiveness.
This was following Ghana’s 3-0 victory over Madagascar in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier.
The 23-year-old Bordeaux defender was paired with Daniel Amartey of Leicester City and went on to earn a clean sheet against Barea and top Group E.
“He played well against Nigeria [in the World Cup qualifiers] and in free training,” the tactician said after the vital win.
“Especially when I know that we are the favourites [against Madagascar] and we have the ball more, I feel more comfortable if somebody can move with his left foot.
“Actually, our number 6, Baba [Iddrisu], was mostly free and it is more difficult, from the left side, to play to him with the right foot.
“So if we have a natural left-footer, we can use that space more and we can play Baba much easier than a right-footed player. That was the reason why I decided to play Gideon there.”
Addo further exuded the confidence he has in the player, “I know he is capable of good defending, he made some good tackles as well. Gideon is capable of so much more and maybe he doesn’t know.”
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