Portugal ran out 3-2 winners against Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Group H opener played at Stadium 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Ghana fell when Cristiano Ronaldo netted a penalty in the 65th minute but the Otto Oddo’s men were back at level on the 72nd minute thanks to a betiful finish by Adre Ayew.
However, Portugal fought back to score quick-fire goals courtesy of Joao Felix and second-half substitute Rafael Leao.
Osman Bukari was at hand for the Black Stars and scored the second in the 89th minute of the match that widely dominated by the Navigators.
Ghana got off the blocks first and could have gotten a fourth-minute opener when Inaki Williams pounced on a rebound inside the six-yard box but headed his chance wide of the right post.
After a slow start to the match, Portugal started moving the ball around quickly and accurately. In the 17th minute a good team move resulted in Ronaldo getting a sight on the goal and his shot went narrowly wide.
Ghana came ever close to scoring in the 25th minute when Daniel Amartey’s corner was headed wide of the top right corner byb Ruben Dias.
Shortly before the break, Ronaldo slipped the ball in behind Ghana goalkeeper Zigi and into the back of the net but it was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
Portugal goal came five minutes after the hour mark courtesy of a soft penalty that was awarded by match referee following afoul on Ronaldo, who has now become the first player to score in five World Cups.
Line ups:
Portugal: Diogo Costa – Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira, Raphael Guerreiro – Ruben Neves (Rafael Leao 77), Otavio (William Carvalho 56) , Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva (Joao Palhinha 88)- Joao Felix (Joao Mario 88), Cristiano Ronaldo (Goncalo Ramos 88)
Ghana: Lawrence Ati Zigi – Alidu Seidu (Tariq Lamptey 66), Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku (Daniel-Kofi Kyereh 90), Rahman Baba – Thomas Partey Mohamed Kudus (Osman Bukari 77), Salis Abdul Samed (Antoine Semenyo 90) – Andre Ayew (Jordan Ayew 77), Inaki Williams
