Kwadwo Twum Boafo, a sports analyst and NDC member, stated that the absence of captain Thomas Partey had a negative effect on the Black Stars’ performance during their recent matches against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications. He believes that Partey’s skill and leadership could have greatly influenced the team’s outcomes, which ultimately resulted in a draw and a loss for Ghana, jeopardizing their qualification for AFCON.
Kwadwo Twum Boafo, a notable sports analyst and prominent member of the National Democratic Congress, has expressed that the absence of team captain Thomas Partey significantly impacted the Ghanaian national football team’s performance during their recent matches against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications. According to Mr. Twum Boafo, who previously held the position of Chief Executive Officer at the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Partey’s participation would have likely improved Ghana’s chances of securing positive outcomes in both encounters. He articulated his views in an interview with GhanaWeb, where he evaluated the team’s performance and indicated that Ghana’s shortcomings in both games could be attributed to the lack of Partey’s influence on the pitch. Twum Boafo emphasized that the Arsenal midfielder would have provided essential control and presence in the midfield, which he believes could have enabled the Black Stars to achieve a favorable result. He recognized Elisha Owusu and Ibrahim Sulemana but argued that neither possesses the same skill set or leadership qualities as Partey to effectively steer the team in crucial moments. “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. Partey’s absence from the matches was due to illness following his participation in Arsenal’s match against Southampton. As a result, the Black Stars experienced a draw in their home game against Sudan and suffered a loss in the away game in Libya on October 15, culminating in a precarious position regarding their qualification for the AFCON, potentially facing their first miss in two decades.
The absence of key players in national football teams can heavily influence performance outcomes, particularly in critical matches such as the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Thomas Partey, a central figure for the Ghanaian national team and a prominent Premier League player, played a crucial role in the team’s midfield dynamics. His withdrawal from the matches against Sudan due to illness was felt dearly by coaches and players alike, as he represents both experience and skill. The implications of his absence were particularly highlighted by sports commentators and analysts, indicating a significant drop in the team’s performance levels during these qualifiers.
In summary, Kwadwo Twum Boafo’s remarks underline the critical impact of Thomas Partey’s absence on the Ghanaian national football team’s performance against Sudan. His insights reflect a broader consensus on the importance of key players in sports, particularly regarding their influence on game outcomes. As the Black Stars find themselves on the brink of missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations, the analysis suggests that Partey’s presence could have been instrumental in achieving necessary results.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
