Black Stars of Ghana lost 3-2 to Portugal in their 2022 World Cup opener on Thursday at the Stadium 974 in Doha.
Here are five things we learned from the game:
Cristiano Ronaldo shows he’s not finished yet
All talks before the game was surrounded around one performance and that’s Cristiano Ronaldo. He parted ways with Manchester United prior to the game but he did not allow that to distract him. He scored from the spot to give his side the victory they’ve been looking for and they aim to go all the way to the finals and clinch the title.
Lawrence Ati-Zigi in possession of Ghana’s No.1 shirt
Who would have thought Lawrence Ati-Zigi will be in post for Ghana’s opener against Portugal and I’m assure he would think same. Lawrence kept his first clean for Ghana in their 2-0 win over Switzerland after conceding in all his appearances for the Black Stars. He displayed an impressive performance against Portugal but could not save Ronaldo’s penalty. He deserves to be Ghana’s No.1 for the forseeable future.
Andre Dede Ayew shines again at World stage
He showed why he’s the leader of the team. When hopes were all lost, Ayew stepped up and equalized for Ghana. The 32-year-old will go down as one of the greatest players of all time to ever represent Ghana. He may not be his father but has shone whenever he plays for the Black Stars
Mohammed Kudus shows he’s Ghana’s most in-form player
Ghana’s most in-form player at the moment, Kudus Mohammed will have several clubs chasing after his signature following an impressive showing. He assisted Ghana’s goal and was a difficult to play against. He was by far Ghana’s best player before he was substituted
Alidu Seidu solves Ghana’s right back problem for years
The young and energetic Seidu was a delight to watch on his competitive debut for Ghana. He was lively till he was booked for a foul. He was defensively sound and was effective when attacking on the right flank. Tariq Lamptey will have to wrestle hard to get an opportunity at the World Cup