Player Ratings AFCON 2015: Ghana 1-0 Algeria - Asamoah 'Baby Jet' Gyan strikes late to keep Black Stars in competition

By Akyereko Frimpong Manson

Follow Akyereko on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial

Asamoah Gyan produced a magical performance to score a last-gasp goal for the Black Stars as they downed the Desert Foxes 1-0 in Mongomo on Friday afternoon.

Though the Desert Foxes played a high-pressing game and made a string of unsuccessful goal attempts in the first-half, the Black Stars claimed a late winner thanks to a magical strike from Asamoah Gyan in the 92nd minute.

Here's how GHANAsoccernet.com rated the Black Stars after their strong performance against Algeria's Desert Foxes.

RAZAK BRIMAH (GOALKEEPER) 6.5

The UD Mirandes keeper recovered from an early howler which nearly gifted a goal to the Desert Foxes. His attack-initiating kicks and improved organisation helped the Ghana back to properly contain the attacking threats of the Algerians.

HARRISON AFFUL (RIGHT-BACK) 6

He's a player who would normally guarantee you at least a seven every time he puts on but he failed to level up play in most parts of the first-half.

BABA RAHMAN (LEFT-BACK) 7

Ghana's best defender along with Daniel Amartey. The Augsburg man defended well and contained the Algerians with a cool head despite his tender age.

JONATHAN MENSAH (CENTER-BACK) 6.5

Defensively sound for the most part - but somehow failed to properly contain the Brahimi and his colleagues.

DANIEL AMARTEY (CENTER-BACK) 7

Technically Ghana's best defender on the evening. His timing of the vital "recovery tackle" has been vital in both games. Two good performance in his official Ghana games.

AFRIYIE ACQUAH (DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD) 6.5

Putting in huge performances given his comparisons with Michael Essien. Did the essentials, making timely stops in the middle and blocking balls and gagging spaces.

EMMANUEL AGYEMANG-BADU (RIGHT MIDFIELD) 8

Most powerful performer in the midfield. Badu was elusive with the ball and quick to surge forward and initiate attacks. His vision and pace in central midfield caused problems for the Algerians and they resulted to sawing him down intermittently to break his vision.

CHRISTIAN ATSU (LEFT MIDFIELD) 6.5

Nimble-footed! Used his abilities on the flanks exploit the space and weaknesses in the Algerian defence.

ANDRE AYEW (FREE ROLE) 7.5

Andre steered the team and run all afternoon. Sustained series of tackles but never got tired until he was replaced by Solomon Asante just before the end of the game.

JORDAN AYEW (FORWARD) 6.5

Jordan put up a strong performance in the first-half, constantly harassing the Algerians in their own area. But as the minutes tipped by in the second-half, his energy was flagged. Replaced by Mahatma Otoo.

ASAMOAH GYAN (FORWARD) 8

You could probably rate Gyan's performance as influential on the afternoon but the only way he could make the difference is doing what he did - a brilliant inspirational finish. The Al Ain goal-machine proved why he is indispensable in Ghana's attack and yet one of the best scorers on the continent.

SUBSTITUTES

MAHATMA OTOO (ATTACKER) 5.5

WAKASO MUBARAK (WINGER) 6

SOLOMON ASANTE (WINGER) 5