Portugal Defeat Ghana : Portugal defeated Ghana by 3-2 in a thrilling Group H encounter at the Stadium 974 in Doha on Thursday evening as the Black Stars and The Selection launched their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.
South Korea and Uruguay drew earlier today in Al Rayyan in the opening match of Group H.
Cristiano Ronaldo earned and converted a penalty in the 56th minute to put his team ahead after Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu slightly caught the former Manchester United in the Ghana penalty area.
Ghana’s captain Andre Ayew slotted home the equalizer for the Black Stars in the 73rd minute and he was assisted by Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus. However this moment of joy was short lived as Joao Felix run behind Baba Rahman to meet Bruno Fernandes’ through pass. The Atletico Madrid man then cleverly lofted the ball over goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi to restore Portugal’s lead.
Two minutes later Rafael Leao of AC Milan who came off the bench in the 77th minute made it 3-1 for the Europeans and once again Fernandes , with his second assist of the evening was the brain behind the goal.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos then substituted Bernado Silva , Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo in a move to give them more resting time for the Uruguay clash on November 24th.
Santos almost paid for his changes as Ghana threatened a comeback. Substitute Osman Bukari headed home the second goal for Ghana to bring the game at 3-2 score line with a minute and injury time , later confirmed to be 9 minutes , to go.
The Europeans held on to win their first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
What next?
Portugal – Uruguay on November 28th
Ghana – South Korea on November 28th.
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