Proud of the entire team; looking forward to the next game – Prez Akufo-Addo
The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has applauded the Black Stars for their gallant fight in their 3-2 defeat to Portugal in their opening World Cup game.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, hammering in after the referee awarded a highly contentious penalty for Portugal after an apparent dive from the former Manchester United forward following a close incident with Mohammed Salisu.
The former Manchester United player had a couple of chances early on but a low shot was saved by Lawrence Ati-Zigi and he also headed wide at the far post.
The forward had a goal disallowed for a push on Alexander Djiku while at the other end, Ghana did not have a single shot in the opening period.
The Black Stars improved in the second half as Mohammed Kudus’ shot went wide of the post after a decent build up from midfield.
Ghana captain Andre Ayew equalised from close range as he tapped in a cross from Baba Abdul Rahman after the Portugal defence failed to deal with it.
Few minutes later, Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to close the contest as Joao Felix converted a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroking in just seconds after coming on.
With the heading to an end, Osman Bukhari headed in a late consolation for the lack Stars and there could have been real drama in the ninth minute of stoppage time as Inaki Williams intercepted a ball from Diogo Costa but the Athletic Bilbao forward slipped at the crucial moment and a feeble shot was cleared off the line.
“Gutsy performance by the @GhanaBlackstarsin today’s match against Portugal. Very proud of the entire team. They live to fight another day, & have shown they have what it takes to mix it up against any team in the tournament. Looking forward to the next game against South Korea.” he tweeted
The defeat leaves Ghana at the bottom of Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.
The Black Stars will now turn their attention to the match against South Korea on Monday before tackling Uruguay on December 2 at the Education City stadium.
Gutsy performance by the @GhanaBlackstars in today’s match against Portugal. Very proud of the entire team. They live to fight another day, & have shown they have what it takes to mix it up against any team in the tournament. Looking forward to the next game against South Korea. pic.twitter.com/FiDWm5fO4b
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) November 24, 2022
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