Kwadwo Twum Boafo stated that Thomas Partey’s absence was a significant factor in the Black Stars’ poor performance against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Partey’s midfield control and influence could have potentially changed the results of both matches, which ended in a draw and a defeat. His withdrawal due to illness has left the team at risk of missing the AFCON for the first time in two decades.
In a recent analysis, Kwadwo Twum Boafo, a prominent sports advocate and member of the National Democratic Congress, asserted that the absence of team captain Thomas Partey significantly impacted the Ghanaian national football team’s performance against Sudan. Boafo, who previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, reflected on how Partey’s presence might have altered the outcome of the matches during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series. In a discussion with GhanaWeb, he expressed that Ghana’s performance suffered in both encounters due to the midfielder’s unavailability. He emphasized that Partey would have brought much-needed control and influence to the midfield, potentially enabling Ghana to secure victories in the two matches. While he acknowledged the efforts of players Elisha Owusu and Ibrahim Sulemana, he underscored their inability to match Partey’s exceptional skill set and commanding presence on the field. Boafo remarked, “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.” Thomas Partey was forced to withdraw from the fixtures due to illness that followed Arsenal’s match against Southampton. In his absence, the Black Stars managed a draw at home against Sudan and subsequently suffered a defeat in Libya on October 15, placing the team at risk of missing the AFCON for the first time in two decades.
The Ghanaian national football team, commonly referred to as the Black Stars, faced critical matches against Sudan as part of their qualification campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Historically, Ghana has been a formidable force in African football but recent performances have raised concerns about its trajectory in international competitions. The absence of key players, particularly influential figures like Thomas Partey, has been spotlighted as a significant factor in the team’s recent struggles. These matches were crucial not only for their immediate results but also for Ghana’s standing and future in African football.
In conclusion, Kwadwo Twum Boafo’s observations highlight the crucial role that Thomas Partey plays in the Ghanaian national team’s midfield. His absence was felt deeply during the matches against Sudan, resulting in a draw and a subsequent defeat, leaving the Black Stars’ AFCON qualification in jeopardy. The insights provided by Boafo illustrate the challenges faced by the team in replacing a player of Partey’s caliber, emphasizing the need for strong leadership and experience on the field to secure positive outcomes in future matches.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
