Skipper Dede Ayew and striker Osman Bukhari scored for Ghana in the 2022 World Cup, receiving assists from Mohamned Kudus and Baba Adul Rahman, respectively, as the Black Stars lost 3-2 to Portugal in their Group H opening encounter on Thursday.
The quartet combined effectively to give Ghana and Africa their first two goals in the tournament, despite the painful defeat in the match played at 974 Stadium.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, but it was Dede Ayew who leveled Mohammed Kudus’ cutback to extend Ghana’s run of scoring in their last six World Cup games.
It also became Dede Ayew’s third goal in three World Cup appearances.
But things took a dramatic turn after the equaliser as Portugal responded with two goals to extend their lead as Joao Felix converted a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroked in just seconds after coming on.
And when all hope seemed lost, it was substitute Osman Bukhari who headed in a late consolation for Ghana.
The speedster outjumped the Portuguese defenders to connect a cross from Baba Rahman, who had made a surging run on the left flanks.
The three 3:2 losses mean the Black Stars will sit at the bottom of the table but remain the only team out of the five African countries to have registered a goal after the first round of matches.
