Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu led the Black Stars to their first World Cup victory in Qatar, defeating South Korea in their second group game on Monday.
Ghana overcame an early scare from the dominant South Koreans when Salisu Mohammed smashed home a loose ball from a cross before Kudus connected with Jordan Ayew’s cross with a fine header.
Following the interval, Gue-Sung Cho tied the game to make it 2-2 after a few defensive errors by the Black Stars. Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus who was later adjudged the Man of the Match restored Ghana advantage to make it 3-2 in favor of the Black Stars.
This is how the players were rated:
Lawrence Ati-Zigi – 7
He made some decent saves but wasn’t commanding enough in his area as he conceded 2 goals.
Tariq Lamptey – 5
He made some decent attacking runs but wasn’t clinical and decisive. His defensive errors led to Gue-Sung Cho’s first goal for South Korea.
Daniel Amartey – 6
He made one successful dribble, which was the most in the match. He was well composed on the ball and provided the needed defensive cover when it mattered the most.
Mohammed Salisu – 8
Salisu scored his ever FIFA World Cup goal with his first shot on target, cleared his lines well, made 9 clearances and 7 headed clearances to ensure Ghana carried the day.
Gideon Mensah – 6
Gideon was a bit lethargic in defence but capped his performance with a block, made 5 clearances,3 headed clearances, 2 interceptions and 4 recoveries.
Salis Abdul Samed – 7
Salis had one successful dribble during the match, which was the most in the game. He was above average in defence. He maintained possession and made excellent recoveries.
Thomas Partey- 7
Shielded the back four well and surged forward most of the time but could have done more with passes in the attacking third.
Mohammed Kudus – 9
Undoubtedly, Ghana’s best player. He capped an excellent performance with a brace, to become the first Ghanaian player to score 2 goals in a single match at the FIFA World Cup. He was crowned FIFA Man of the Match.
.Andre Ayew – 6
Andre performed well but struggled in the fast-paced game.
Jordan Ayew – 7
One of his excellent crosses found Kudus for Ghana’s second goal. Jordan was on top of his game, as he completed the most dribbles (1) in the game. He did well to instigate dangerous attacks.
Inaki Williams – 5
The Athletic Bilbao’s player was subpar by his standards. Inaki had 23 touches, which was the least touches of any outfield player to play 90 minutes. Inaki will have to improve in Ghana’s last group game.
Substitutes
Kamaldeen Sulemana – 4
Didn’t do much in attack following the pressure mounted by South Korea.
Denis Odoi – 6
Did what was required of him by stopping the runs Korean attack.
Daniel Kofi Kyereh – 4
Almost converted to a defender due to the threats of his opponents. Delivered well by making vital clearances.
Alexander Djiku – 5
Added numbers to Ghana’s defence and did fine in containing the pressure
Baba Rahman – 4
His attacking runs were not evident but supported the defence with blocks.