Black Stars goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen has received tremendous plaudits from Ghanaians following his sensational output against Chile in the Kirin Cup tournament.
Nurudeen repaid the faith reposed in him by coach Otto Addo with two penalty saves as Ghana finished third in the mini championship play-off.
He was selected between the sticks following massive scrutiny of Ati Zigi which relegated him to the bench after a poor showing in the 4-1 loss to Japan.
Nurudeen’s shot-stopping ability came to the fore during the penalties after full time without a goal. His saves coupled with excellent kicks from Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Fatawu Issahaku gave Ghana a 3-1 triumph over the South Americans.
@SaddickAdams
Abdul Manaf Nurudeen saves three consecutive penalty kicks for Ghana and wins the game vs Chile. Build him a statue.
@KinaataGh
Ghana’s goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen doing some wonders today! #BlackStars the love us gradually coming back! ??✊??
@broos_selasi
Abdul Manaf Nurudeen. You get the opportunity, you take it. Goalkeeper good at saving penalty, hardly comes by for Ghana.
@addojunr
Two saves in a penalty shoot out for Ghana is rare. ??Manaf Nurudeen – nice work!
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@IamZadok_
Abdul Manaf Nurudeen may have just broken the penalty curse that has haunted Ghana ?? Black Stars for ages ????????????????
@julietbawuah
Abdul Manaf Nurudeen May have just picked his World Cup ticket. ?
The Black Stars had to finish the match with nine men on the pitch following red cards handed to center back Alidu Seidu and midfielder Mubarak Wakaso.
The final of the tournament comes off in the next few hours between host Japan and Tunisia.