Kickoffghana.com writer Daraja Kapoor rates the performance of Black Stars players in their thrilling 3-2 defeat to Portugal in the 2022 World Cup Group H opener on Thursday.
Every player is marked out of 10.
Lawrence Ati Zigi 6– Conceded three goals but made some great saves as well.
Alidu Seidu 7– Did well to contain Portugal threat from the left side. Brave performance overall but was lucky not to be sent off after losing his head in a heated duel with Joao Felix. Other than, Alidu put in a real shift.
Daniel Amartey 6– Composed as usual. Cannot be faulted for his efforts.
Alexander Djiku 6– Not his best game but definitely not his worst either. Did okay.
Mohammed Salisu 8– Can make a real argument for the Man of the Match. Comfortably one of the best players on the pitch. Marshalled the entire back line and was unlucky to have conceded a controversial penalty.
Baba Rahman 5– Bit of a strange display by the Reading FC full-back. Too many lapses in concentration and failed to deal with a through ball which led to Portugal’s second goal. He did however provide the assist for Osman Bukari to reduce the deficit.
Abdul Samed Salis 7– I thought he went about his business brilliantly as the holding midfielder in front of the defense. Kept things tidy and barely put a foot wrong.
Thomas Partey 5– Passive! The Arsenal star failed to leave his mark on the game. Definitely has had better days in the national colors.
Mohammed Kudus 8– Struggled early in the game but his influence grew as the match went on. The Ajax star was at the center of everything good the team did for 76 minutes. Portugal couldn’t contain him after the recess. Set-up Andre Ayew’s equalizer and was surprised to see him substituted.
Andre Ayew 7– The captain led by example. Always the first to press and more than a willing runner. Capped of solid display with a goal, his third in the competition’s history.
Inaki Williams 4– Offered nothing upfront. Barely had a kick and was a passenger for the majority of proceedings. Ghana needs to his best version and fast. The patience is wearing.
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Osman Bukari 7– Added a bit of spark off the bench. Impressive cameo and got his name on the scoresheet with a header.
Jordan Ayew 4– Sloppy! Very sloppy especially in possession. Lost the ball in quick succession after coming on and both times Ghana ended up conceding.
Tariq Lamptey 4– Didn’t have the desired impact. Portugal found a lot of joy exploiting his side of defense after coming on.
Daniel Kofi Kyere N/A
Antoine Semenyo N/A
