Andre Ayew and Osman Bukari’s goals were not enough to savage a point for the Black Stars.
The Ghana national team spent the whole of the first half defending with a defensive shape of 5-4-1, giving the Portuguese enough space to push the ball around.
Ronaldo and his team mates tried their best to create some goal scoring chances, but by a discipline defensive line of the four times African Champion, they couldn’t.
A penalty was awarded to Portugal in the 64th minute when Cristiano fell after what seems to be a soft challenge from Mohammed Salisu.
The Portugal legend converted from the spotkick to become the first player to score in five different World Cup.
Andre Ayew responded with tap in from a deflected cross by Kudus Mohammed 10 minutes after. His goal added his name in the annals of Ghana football as the all-time top goalscorer in world cup. A position which was previously occupied by Asamoah Gyan.
Fernandes Santos’ men then went ahead to score two goals in quick successions.
First, through João Felix who was located by a throughball from Bruno Fernandes which he fired pass Ati-Zigi.
Later in the 80th minute, Rafael Leao extended Portugal’s goal to 3 when Jordan Ayew got dispossessed in the middle of the pitch.
Substitute Bukari scored a consolation in the 89th minute. Meanwhile, Inaki Williams nearly got a point for Otto Addo’s men in a few seconds to fulltime when he stole a ball from Diogo Costa whom oblivious of Williams who was behind him, dropped the ball he was about to kick. Fortunately, he was saved by a slip.
Ghana became the first African country to score in Qatar 2022 world cup (2 goals).
They will face Korea on Monday, whilst Portugal meet Uruguay same day.
Author- Isaac Papa Nketsiah
