Kwadwo Twum Boafo has expressed that the absence of captain Thomas Partey was crucial in the Black Stars’ poor performance against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. He believes Partey’s presence would have provided better control in midfield, which was notably lacking. Ghana drew the home match and lost the away match in Libya, putting them at risk of not qualifying for AFCON for the first time in 20 years.
Kwadwo Twum Boafo, a prominent sports advocate and member of the National Democratic Congress, has articulated that the absence of team captain Thomas Partey significantly impacted the performance of the Black Stars during their matches against Sudan in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. Boafo, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, contends that Partey, who plays as a midfielder for Arsenal, would have enhanced Ghana’s chances of securing favorable outcomes in both fixtures. In a discussion with GhanaWeb, the lifelong supporter of Hearts of Oak remarked on Ghana’s noticeable deficiencies in both matches, attributing them directly to Partey’s absence. He emphasized that the presence of Partey would have contributed vital control and strength in the midfield, which he believes could have led to a more favorable result for Ghana. Although not disparaging the contributions of midfielders Elisha Owusu and Ibrahim Sulemana, Twum Boafo highlighted their inability to replicate the unique skillset and commanding presence that Thomas Partey offers during matches. “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 stated. It is important to note that Thomas Partey was sidelined due to illness following Arsenal’s match against Southampton, leading to the Black Stars drawing their home game against Sudan and losing the away match in Libya on October 15. This defeat has placed Ghana in a precarious position regarding qualification for AFCON, as they risk missing out on this prestigious tournament for the first time in two decades.
The discussions surrounding Ghana’s national football team, known as the Black Stars, have intensified following their lackluster results in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This time of contention has been exacerbated by the absence of key players, notably Thomas Partey, who contributes leadership and skill in the midfield. The significance of star players in team dynamics, especially during critical matches, underscores the importance of critical assessments, as evident in the comments from Kwadwo Twum Boafo, a respected sports figure in Ghana. Understanding these circumstances and the implications of player absences offers insight into the team’s performance and future prospects.
In conclusion, the absence of Thomas Partey due to illness has been recognized as a pivotal factor in the Black Stars’ disappointing performance against Sudan in their recent qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations. Kwadwo Twum Boafo’s observations highlight the critical role that Partey plays in ensuring midfield stability and command. The team’s current standing threatens their qualification hopes, emphasizing the impact of individual players on overall team success, as Ghana faces the possibility of missing AFCON for the first time in two decades.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
