The midfielder returned from his visa absence to anchor Ghana’s defence with a 7.6 Sofascore rating, making two tackles and six clearances in a man-of-the-match performance
Thomas Partey played a vital anchoring role in Ghana’s historic 0-0 draw against England, returning to the starting lineup after missing the tournament opener against Panama to deliver a defensive masterclass that earned him the highest Sofascore rating among the Black Stars.
Partey logged a full 90-minute shift, completing 18 of 21 passes for an 85 percent completion rate. He won both of his attempted tackles, made six clearances, one interception, and one defensive block. He also completed three of five long passes and was fouled once while committing just one foul himself.
📢 GET A DETAILED ARTICLES + JOBS
Join ASJ's WhatsApp Channel and never miss a post or opportunity.
The midfielder was instrumental in keeping England’s elite attack quiet, notably tracking back to execute a goal-saving tackle that denied a clear shot window for Jude Bellingham. Operating under Carlos Queiroz’s low-block system, Partey provided critical leadership in central zones alongside Kwasi Sibo, ensuring England could only muster three shots on target despite holding 79 percent possession.
Partey’s return was a significant boost for Ghana. The veteran midfielder was absent from the tournament opener due to ongoing visa issues in Britain, but his presence against England transformed the Black Stars’ midfield into a disciplined, impenetrable unit.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, Partey’s performance has cemented his status as Ghana’s most important player in the tournament. With Ghana needing a result against Croatia on the final matchday to secure qualification, his defensive discipline and leadership will be essential.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on June 23, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
🏟️ Discover More Sports Stories
Looking for more in-depth sports news, interviews, and features? Visit Accra Sports News — your go-to for exclusive sports content in Ghana and beyond.
Disclaimer: Some content on Accra Street Journal may be aggregated, summarized, or edited from third-party sources for informational purposes. Images and media are used under fair use or royalty-free licenses. Accra Street Journal is a subsidiary of SamBoad Publishing Hub under SamBoad Business Group Ltd, registered in Ghana since 2014.
For concerns or inquiries, please visit our Privacy Policy or Contact Page.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
