Ex-Ghana international, John Paintsil has questioned coach Milovan Rajevac’s late substitution of winger, Joseph Paintsil.
Joseph Paintsil, who plies his trade in Belgium with Genk, was virtually the brightest spot in the Black Stars squad against Morocco in the 2021 AFCON opener at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Monday.
The speedster, despite failing to find the back of the net, occasionally tormented the North African’s goal area with his acceleration and energy.
The former Ankaraguçu loanee was however replaced by Dreams FC winger, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku on the 86th minute which did little to salvage an equalizer for the four time AFCON winners.
John Paintsil said: “I was really surprised, even taking [Joseph] Paintsil out wasn’t the right time to do it.
“But wasn’t in his shoes but watching from afar, Paintsil was doing most of the dynamics on the field.
“Moving from left and right, also trying to even find the net many occasions which didn’t work but he was trying, he was doing well.
“He[Milovan Rajevac] should have kept him [Joseph Paintsil] going and maybe other changes around that he could have done but I will say that change wasn’t called for.” John Paintsil told GTV Sports Plus.
The Black Stars now have a tall order as their next opponent, Gabon won their opener on Monday.
The Panthers, whose squad has been ravaged by COVID-19, defeated debutants, Comoros 1-0 without captain and star man, Pierre Aubameyang and key midfielder, Mario Lemina.
The two clash on Friday, January 14 at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium where a defeat will send Ghana crushing out of the tournament.
