Black Stars coach, Milovan Rajevac has explained certain selection decisions he had to make in his first two games against Zimbabwe in the October batch of the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana kept their Qatar 2022 hopes alive by beating the Warriors 3-1 at home and 1-0 away at Harare.
Milovan Rajevac kick-started his second stint on a bright note, making some bold changes that raised different opinions among local football fans.
The 67-year old gaffer has now explained to GFA communications, the unexpected twists in his squad.
Decision to start Jojo Wollacott on his maiden call-up: “It was the work of Richard Kingston because he did the scouting work and he suggested this goalkeeper to me
“So I watched many videos of him and the decision was made to include him in the squad and when he came, he proved himself and got the chance which he used very well.”
Fatawu Issahaku: “He recommended himself with his performance for U-20 team and when he came to the camp, he proved himself at the training sessions and the training match so he showed me he has to get the chance.
“I am quite satisfied with the way he is developing and he is a beautiful talent and a player with a great future in professional football.”
On Andre Ayew in holding midfield: “Andre was used as a holding midfielder because I know him very well and I know his abilities, experience and knowledge.
“He is very intelligent player and a great leader so in that match, we wanted to play offensively and I needed him because of his passing and decision and because we didn’t have Wakaso.
“I had faith in him that he can deliver which he proved he can. His fighting and determination is great so I took the decision and I am quite satisfied with his performance.”
On Daniel Amartey at right-back: “We couldn’t get Andy Yiadom to camp due to injury and when I was making a game plan for Zimbabwe because I wanted a very offensive midfield and attack.
“I decided to put some players in defence and have others in the back so we protect ourselves for an important result so that is why our defence was pretty tall.
“Daniel has played that in the past, he even played in a defensive midfield position so he is a versatile player and he is a player I can trust and I knew he is up to the task so he delivered excellent performance.
“He said also he is ready to do whatever it takes to take Ghana to the World Cup and follow my instructions so everything went well.”
Milovan Rajevac will now prepare for his next two World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia away and then welcome South Africa.
