Brandon Thomas-Asante: Ghana's Trump Card!

Brandon Thomas Asante became the hero after skillfully eluding the defenders of Panama, and leaving them to chase shadows, to lay a beautiful pass to Caleb Yirenkyi to score in Ghana's opening game in the ongoing 2026 World Cup.

Tongues are already wagging for his inclusion into the starting line-up against the Three Lions of England due to the impact he made in the game.

Coaches are usually in a dilemma as to whether to go with the flow or not to tinker with the squad after a substitute puts up a stupendous performance worthy of a starting berth.

However, coaches worth their salt know how to effectively manage such sticky situations in order to keep the team focused.

Some players are effective as substitutes because of the pace they possess. Their pace and trickery further wear down defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities for strikers to bury.

A recent example was when Ernest Nuamah came on as a substitute in the friendly game against Wales. He gave a good account of himself by changing the complexion of the game. He made mincemeat of the Wales defence by creating a goal for Caleb Yirenkyi to score.

His performance may have influenced the coach's decision to field him against Panama, which did not yield good results. He was a pale shadow of himself. He struggled throughout the game. It must also be placed on record that he is returning from a long injury layoff. An injury-free Nuamah is merciless on any day.

Coach Carlos Queiroz is advanced in experience to scale this hurdle. He knows how to set out his team to achieve his goal. He has been with the players throughout the training camp and knows who best fits his game plan against England.

Brandon should still maintain his position as a super substitute because his selflessness and blistering runs on the flanks will be needed to decimate the English defence when the going becomes tough.

He remains our trump card for now, having it at the back of our minds that there is always a game changer on the bench who can squeeze water out of a stone on our worst day.

The defenders should keep the lid on Harry Kane. He is a venomous striker who should not be spared an inch because he can score out of nowhere and nothing. Leaving him unmarked will be our undoing.

The match is going to be tough for the Black Stars, but it is not beyond the team to at least snatch a draw that will be enough for the team to sail through to the next round.

On paper, the team is not the best, but if the players decide to play for themselves by defending and attacking in droves, they will be a hard nut to crack!

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