At the Education City Stadium on Monday, the Black Stars defeated South Korea 3-2 behind after a brilliant performance from Mohammed Kudus.
As a matter of fact, the Black Stars won their first World Cup match since upsetting the United States in Johannesburg in 2010 thanks to goals from Ajax midfielder, who scored in both halves.
After surviving an early onslaught from South Korea, the four-time African champions scored two goals in a span of 10 minutes, Mohammed Salisu and Kudus, both of which Jordan Ayew beautifully assisted, to conclude the first half with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
However, two quick goals from the Koreans early in the second half tied the score. The Black Stars secured a crucial victory with goals from Kudus in the 68th and 68th minutes.
In the opening 17 minutes, South Korea did well to contain Ghana and win seven corners, but their lack of ingenuity was revealed when Salisu scored on a rebound after the South Korean defense failed to stop Jordan Ayew’s free-kick.
The goal gave Otto Addo’s team a boost, and they swiftly gained control. Meanwhile, ten minutes later, they doubled their lead when the inviting cross from Ayew was nodded in from six yards by the thrilling Kudus.
The first half saw South Korea struggle in the final third, but the second half saw them come to life, with Ati-Zigi being forced into a brilliant reaction stop on Cho from close range as a sign of things to come.
Kang-In Lee, after coming off the bench, had an instant effect, regaining the ball on the left flank and whipping in a cross for Cho to score.
Three minutes later, the striker scored again, nodding in a hanging cross from Jin-Su Kim from three yards out to tie the score.
But Ghana immediately took back the lead. After Inaki Williams missed a cut-back with an air-shot inside the area, the ball landed behind him and was quickly sunk by Kudus for the third goal of an incredible ten minutes.
In the ten minutes of extra time, South Korea increased its pressure but was unable to penetrate the Black Stars’ defense. A goal-line clearance and another excellent Ati-Zigi save allowed Ghana to win the match.
Conclusion
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