Portugal sustained a tough challenge against a hard fighting Ghanaina bridage, but ultimately prevalied in edging out their adversaries three goals to two in their Group H clash this Thursday at the Stadium 974 in Doha.
After a goalless first half, it was Cristiano Ronaldo himself who put his side in the lead. The Portuguese forward earned the spot after going down from Mohammed Salisu’s challenge, and put it past Lawrence Ati-Zigi, marking his 118th international goal, and also became the first player to score across five different World Cups.
Ghana were quick to equalise, as their skipper Andre Ayew slotted in a surgical cross from Mohammed Kudus, beating Diogo Costa into the Portuguese net in the 73rd minute.
However, the level score was only temporary as within five minutes, as ‘Os Navegadores’ found themselves in the lead again with Bruno Fernandes finding Joao Felix through the Ghana defense, and the Atletico Madrid forward slipped it past Ati-Zigi to make it 2-1.
Just two minutes later, Fernando Santos’ side fired their third of the night, as Fernandes forwarded another piercing through to Rafael Leao, and the AC Milan star marked his first international goal.
Ghana made their second comeback attempt in the 89th minute, as a beautiful cross from Baba Rahman on the left wing found Osman Bukari, who headed it past Costa to mark their second strike of the night.
The injury time saw efforts from the ‘Black stars’ in getting the equalizer, but the 9-minute added time went goalless, with Portugal taking home three points.
Final Score: Portugal 3 – 2 Ghana
Goals:
POR – Cristiano Ronaldo – 65th minute (P)
GHA – Andre Ayew – 73rd minute
POR – Joao Felix – 78th minute
POR – Rafael Leao – 80th minute
GHA – Osman Bukari – 89th minute
