Ghanatodayonline.com News, Politics, Health, Education & More
The Black Stars’ 2022 World Cup opening took place on Thursday night at Stadium 974, where Portugal defeated Ghana 3-2 despite the absence of VAR.
Just after the hour mark, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a contentious penalty to put Portugal ahead before Andre Ayew tied the score for Ghana.
The European nation struck twice in as many minutes to take a 3-1 lead, and there was late drama.
Osman Bukari, a substitute, scored a spectacular late goal to win the game 3-2.
At this year’s competition, the Black Stars became the first African side to score a goal.
Portugal now has three points after winning, while Ghana is at the bottom of Group H.
After drawing without scoring earlier, Uruguay and South Korea now both have a point.
On November 28, Portugal will play Uruguay, while the Black Stars will play South Korea.
Cristiano Ronaldo had the first chance to score, but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi showed great initiative to leave his position and clear the ball in under 10 seconds.
In the opening 20 minutes, the A Selecao kept the Black Stars in their own half as Ghana only controlled 24% of the ball.
At the halfway point, Ronaldo put the ball in Ghana’s goal, but not before fouling Alexander Djiku.
On November 28, Portugal will play Uruguay, while the Black Stars will play South Korea.
Cristiano Ronaldo had the first chance to score, but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi showed great initiative to leave his position and clear the ball in under 10 seconds.
In the opening 20 minutes, the A Selecao kept the Black Stars in their own half as Ghana only controlled 24% of the ball.
At the halfway point, Ronaldo put the ball in Ghana’s goal, but not before fouling Alexander Djiku.
In the 64th minute, Ronaldo converted perfectly from the penalty spot to break the score and make World Cup history.
He made history by being the first player to score in five straight competitions. Andre Ayew, who pounced on a Kudus cutback in the 73rd minute, gave Ghana the equalizer.
Joao Felix scooped up a Baba Rahman failed shot and converted from the right side of the box for Portugal in the 78th minute, catching Ghana’s defense off guard.
Two minutes later, the same thing happened again.
Raphael Leao, a replacement, converted from the left post to score, this time on the right side.
Osman Bukari headed in a left-wing cross from Baba Rahman to reduce Portugal’s advantage to one with a minute remaining in regulation.
In order to fend off Ghana’s late onslaught for an equalizer, Portugal held on for the win.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
