The Black stars of Ghana lost their opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Portugal by 3-2 at Stadium 974.
The Portuguese side started on a high note with more pressing on a five-back Ghanaian backs.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo had the chance to put his side ahead but was stopped by a strong save from Lawrence Atizigi.
Portugal dominated the game and kept knocking for the opener but all efforts were wasted with the first half ending in a goalless draw.
Back from recess, Cristiano Ronaldo broke the game’s deadlock via spot kick.
The Portuguese skipper ran into the 18-yard box and was brought down by Salisu, which resulted in the penalty.
Ronaldo showed up n slotted the ball at the top left corner to give Fernando Santos side the lead.
Ghanaian captain retored Ghana's hope with a beautiful finish in the 73rd minute, connecting from Mohammed Kudus's cross from the left flank of the pitch.
With hopes of salvaging a point from the game, coach Addo brought on Osman Bukari, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Tariq Lamptey, Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo later in the game.
Portugal's lead was restored in the 78th minute through Jao Felix who fed on Bruno Fernandes's timed pass and drilled past Lawrence Atizigi.
Super-sub Rafael Leao doubled the lead for the former European champions with an astonishing finish in the 80th minute to put Portugal in a victorious position.
Ghana's speedstar Osman Bukari reduced the deficit to one with a great header, beating Ruiz Patricio after connecting from Baba Rahman’s cross in the 89th minute but wasn't enough to save the day for West African giants.
The Black stars wi now shift attention to their second group game against South Korea which comes off next week.
