Ghana scored the first goals for Africa but fell to a 3-2 defeat against one of the tournament favourites Portugal in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener.
After a goalless first half, the game sprung to life when Cristiano Ronaldo netted a penalty in the 65th minute… it appeared a questionable one at first glance.
Black Stars captain Andre Ayew leveled matters, the first goal for Africa at the global showpiece eight minutes later before being substituted.
Ghana’s record appearance-maker had barely stopped celebrating and Portugal had two more goals, as Joao Felix and Rafael Leão scored in quick succession.
But fellow substitute Osman Bukari made it 3-2 to set up a tense finale, which the European giants eventually held firm for an opening win to move to the summit of Group H.
Uruguay and South Korea flattered to deceive in their opener for a 0-0 draw at the Education City Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Two star-studded squads, their 2022 World Cup opener… it promised much but delivered little action for those in attendance.
With Ghana and Portugal watching with bated breath, both nations will be buoyed to see them cancel each other out and take a point a piece.
There was only one shot on target throughout the entire game, which came from the South Americans and forced Kim Seung-gyu into an incredible save. But that was all she wrote.
