The Super Eagles were run over by Portugal last week but Ghana proved their quality and pushed the Selecao to the limit
The Black Stars of Ghana suffered a 3-2 loss to Portugal in their opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Coach Otto Addo's side had a tough mountain to climb when they squared off against a star-studded Portuguese team at Stadium 974 on Thursday.
Ghana were massive underdogs going into the tie, but they were looking to follow the path of Saudi Arabia and Japan who upset big boys Argentina and Germany.
The Black Stars proved to be a difficult nut to crack for Portugal as the Selecao huffed and puffed but Ghana held their own in the first half. However, the game turned on its head in the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo put Portugal in front in the 65th minute from the spot, becoming the first player to score in five different World Cups.
But Portugal's lead did not last, as Andre Ayew drew Ghana level eight minutes later.
Unfortunately, Ghana lost concentration in the final quarter, and Portugal took advantage, with Joao Felix and Rafael Leao scoring in the 78th and 80th minutes.
Osman Bukari pulled one back for Ghana in the 89th minute, but Portugal held on to see out the 3-2 result.
Following the result, fans have come out to praise the Black Stars, whilst juxtaposing them with the Super Eagles, who suffered a 4-0 drubbing against Portugal last week.
The Super Eagles were shambolic against Portugal last week, but Ghana proved their mettle, giving Portugal a run for their money. Ghana's performance got fans talking on social media.
Dear Super Eagles,
Hope you saw a spirited & massive performance by Ghana.
Not swallow 4-0 against Portugal. #NaijaNextWorldCup #YoursToTake.
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) November 24, 2022
https://twitter.com/iamfadacris/status/1595851316605108224?t=dbCkoWbZIgX5aIf0eIMi7g&s=19
It is not about Ghana being good. It is about Nigeria being much worse.
— Efficient (@Effficient) November 24, 2022
https://twitter.com/Eyitayomi6/status/1595848625888034816?t=uc3gk85pVqYA1di5VO9pdg&s=19
https://twitter.com/Chrismasta7/status/1595847903435755520?t=mXDwJcq3qGd_qXw5oob9_w&s=19
https://twitter.com/ola_loran/status/1595846318274281472?t=5EcfidfUtTZthppmhEoQgA&s=19
I don’t really know much about football but I think Ghana could have done better and their coach better have sense next time with all these yeye substitutions. As far as I’m concerned, nothing dey this Portuguese team.
— KPHAT (@KPHATOFFICIAL) November 24, 2022
https://twitter.com/industreetblogs/status/1595845027590275072?t=YRglWpwTpR-EoXGi_s4HRQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/ceeprince101/status/1595843312635748354?t=A_ccYXfQCgozdizDFYZP7w&s=19
https://twitter.com/Bella84570165/status/1595841664236802048?t=-PR_0EhqwHDLVW_Bj6JFwA&s=19
Ghana did give good account of themselves!
Bravo
— Da Real Estate Guru (@HorlarJhidey) November 24, 2022
Ghana remain the best African team in this world cup take it or leave it
— Daddy Rex (@taiwasc) November 24, 2022
https://twitter.com/OgaNlaMedia/status/1595833124227014656?t=ip7e4SL3D4kwAtAqE3cXwA&s=19
Ghana should hold their head up. Nothing close to the embarrassment the super eagles have become
— FAY (@yemifay) November 24, 2022
Ghana should hold their head up. Nothing close to the embarrassment the super eagles have become
— FAY (@yemifay) November 24, 2022
The Black Stars just keep ya’ll heads up and focus on the next game. Ya’ll did a great and keep on with the hard work.