Posted by Ghana lost 3-2 to Portugal in their opening Group game of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Portugal scored first in the 65th minute from a controversial Ronaldo penalty. Ghana pulled parity through Andre Ayew in the 73rd minute before João Felix and Rafael Leao scored two quick goals to make it 3-1. Later in the game, Ghana pulled a goal back through Osman Bukari.
Here’s how MahamaShaibu.com rated and assessed the players:
1. Lawrence Ati-Zigi – 6/10
Didn’t have much to do in post but made a good save to deny Ronaldo in the first half. Ati-Zigi conceded 3 goals but there was little he could have done to stop any of those goals.
2. Daniel Amartey – 7/10
Daniel Amartey was solid in the heart of defense for Ghana. He made a crucial tackle to deny Portugal from scoring in the first half and as well made 2 key passes (joint most in the Ghana team).
3. Alexander Djiku – 6.5/10
Djiku made two good tackles to deny Ronaldo from pushing Ghana down twice in the first half. He won all his tackles (1/1) and ground duels (3/3).
4. Mohammed Salisu – 6/10
Mohammed Salisu was commanding at the back but all is hard work went down the train when he was adjudged to have fouled Ronaldo for the game’s opener. Maybe, he should have also done better for the second goal.
5. Alidu Seidu – 6.8/10
Was handed a surprise start and held the opportunity with both hands. Alidu had a tough start but he grew into the game. The Clermont Foot defender was lucky not have been sent off after head-butting João Felix.
6. Baba Rahman – 5.5/10
Baba Rahman defended brilliantly until in the 78th minute when João Felix capitalized on his mistake to restore Portugal’s lead. The Reading full-back dumped the error to provide the assist for Osman’s goal.
7. Salis Abdul Samed – 6.5/10
Salis was a delight to watch when on the ball. However, he struggled defensively in some parts of the game and failed to control the game due to Ghana seeing less of the ball.
8. Thomas Partey – 6/10
Thomas Partey failed to control the game like he does week in and week out at Arsenal but he made some tackles and completed the most passes (47) in the Ghana team. He also provided 2 key passes.
9. Andre Ayew – 7/10
Andre Ayrw struggled in the opening minutes of the game but grew into the game. He pressed well and scored Ghana’s first goal, tapping home from close range.
10. Mohammed Kudus – 7.5
Arguably Ghana’s best player. Mohammed Kudus gave some few balls away in the opening minutes of the game but stepped up his display later on. He came close to scoring in the second half and provided the assist for Ghana’s first goal.
11. Inaki Williams – 5.5/10
Inaki Williams should have scored for Ghana in the latter stages of the game when he robbed the goalkeeper off the ball. Entirely, the Bilbao forward was often isolated upfront and made few touches (28) of all players to play 90 minutes.
Substitutes:
1. Tariq Lamptey – 5/10
Came on in the 66th minute for Alidu Seidu and failed to make an impact on the game. He failed to deal with the movements of João Felix who scored Portugal’s second goal.
2. Jordan Ayew – 4.5/10
Came on in the 77th minute and made a negative impact. Ayew was robbed off the ball for Portugal’s second and third goal.
3. Osman Bukari – 7/10
Osman was impactful when he came on in the second half. He scored Ghana’s second goal and was a constant threat to the Portuguese defense.
4. Antoine Semenyo – N/A
Came on in additional time and didn’t have time to impact the game.
5. Daniel Kofi Kyereh – N/A
Kyereh came on late and had some few touches but there wasn’t enough time for him to make an impact.