Ghana opened their 2022 World Cup campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Portugal on Thursday in Doha.
Here is how we rated the Black Stars players:
Lawrence Ati Zigi – 4
Was just fine in the first half particularly denying Ronaldo twice. But he could not help that much in the second as the Black Stars conceded three goals.
Alidu Seidu -5.5
Alidu had a decent debut. Won excellent tackles and did not shy away from taking on his markers. He stayed aggressive throughout the 66 minutes.
Daniel Amartey -4
His partnership with Salisu and Djiku was great as he buttressed the efforts of Alidu on the right side.
Alexander Djiku -4
Played a decent first half with successful forward passes to find the midfielders. However, he could have done more to keep the defence in shape throughout the encounter.
Salisu Mohammed – 5.5
Was the best man in defence for Ghana. He won audacious tackles and provided a shield for Baba Rahman when the latter overlapped. His own moment in the game was a foul causing a penalty which resulted in Portugal’s first goal.
Baba Rahman -5
Had a little above average game with a few key interceptions and recoveries. There was however more he could do to deny Portugal the second goal. Nonetheless, his attacking instincts came to play when he found Osman Bukari for Ghana’s second goal.
Salis Abdul Samed – 5
His ability to keep possession was evident in his play. He had less problems dealing with the attack of Portugal but also lost a few
Thomas Partey – 4
It was not the best of games for the Arsenal man. He struggled to deal with the midfield of his opponent and didn’t make too many good passes
Andrew Ayew -7
His performance in the first half was one to forget, but he was one of the best players in the second, scoring the equaliser for Ghana.
Mohammed Kudus -7
After an average first half, he bounced back and launched a couple of ferocious strikes which inspired the Black Stars to want more.
Inaki Williams-4
Inaki was quiet on the day playing as a lone striker. The Portuguese dominance especially in the first half meant the forward had little time with the ball.
Substitutes
Osman Bukari- 5
His impact in the game was instantaneous as he rose above his markers to connect a diligent cross to pull one back for the Black Stars.
Tariq Lamptey-3.5
Continued from where Alidu left off for a little time until Ghana began to concede.
Jordan Ayew- 3
In 13 minutes, there was little he could do. He tried to build the attack in Ghana’s search for an equalizer.
Antoine Semenyo – N/A
Daniel Kofi Kyereh – N/A
