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 – 6
Ghana’s safest pair of hands on the day failed to stop Ronaldo from making history, as the Portuguese expertly scored from the penalty spot. Zigi made two key saves in the first half particularly denying Ronaldo twice. He however, conceded three goals in the second half.
Alidu Seidu – 7
Alidu had a World Cup debut to remember. He was the most fouled player in the match. He was fouled 4 times. Alidu made excellent tackles and did not shy away from taking on his markers. He stayed aggressive throughout the 66 minutes.
Daniel Amartey – 7
His partnership with Salisu and Djiku was great as he buttressed the efforts of Alidu on the right side.
Aleksander Djiku – 6.5
Played a decent first half with 85% accurate passes to find the midfielders. However, he could have done more to keep the defence in shape throughout the encounter.
Salisu Mohammed – 5.5
Salisu committed a foul leading to a penalty which resulted in Portugal’s first goal.He won audacious tackles and provided a shield for Baba Rahman when the latter overlapped.
Baba Rahman – 5
Addul Rahman Baba made an error that led to Portugal’s second goal. His performance was below average with a few key interceptions and recoveries. Nonetheless, his attacking instincts was beneficiary to the team when he found Osman Bukari for Ghana’s second goal.
Salisu Abdul Ahmed – 6.5
His ability to keep possession was evident in his play. He had less problems dealing with Portugal’s lethal attack. He kept things simple.
Thomas Partey – 6.5
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
André 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.
Cyle Larin – 6
Usually a prolific scorer for the national team, Larin got into the right positions, but he was unable to finish any of his chances in relief of Hoilett. The forward really should have been in the starting 11.
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.