The senior national team, the Black Stars, received a standing ovation following last night’s debut match against Portugal, and former president Mahama is in high spirits.
The team showed resiliency and tenacity despite suffering a dramatic defeat against Portugal.
In an interview with Citi News, the former president praised the team’s talent and urged Ghanaians to support them.
“The players played very well and very confidently. The boys have talents. So this is the Black Stars for now and the future, so let’s give them all our support, and I am sure they will go far.”
Former President, John Mahama
Portugal prevailed 3-2 over Ghana’s Black Stars in their Group H match thanks to a second-half two-minute collapse by Ghana.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty was countered by Andre Ayew’s strike in the 73rd minute, giving the Stars what looked like a new life.
Joao Felix and Rafael Leao’s goals in the 78th and 80th minutes, respectively, restored Portugal’s advantage.
Osman Bukari scored a second goal with a header for the Black Stars, but the Portuguese held on to win all three points despite playing for an additional nine minutes.
Otto Addo’s team would have been devastated to lose after stifling Portugal for the majority of the first half and the first few minutes of the second.
Even more so than they had in the first half, Ghana was dangerous when Kudus flashed a shot narrowly wide following a spirited run.
But it was Portugal who scored a contentious penalty to end the tie.
The referee, who stood by his decision despite objections from the Ghanaians, determined that Mohammed Salisu had knocked Cristiano Ronaldo to the ground in the penalty area.
Ronaldo took the opportunity and scored with precision to give Portugal the lead.
The advantage only lasted five minutes, as Andre Ayew tapped in a cross from the left by Kudus Mohammed, who had all game long worried the Portuguese with his pace and brilliance.
Later, when Baba Rahman mishandled a through pass, disaster struck. Joao Felix pounced on the stray ball and produced an exquisite finish.
Rafael Leao, a substitute, slid the ball past Lawrence Ati Zigi as he raced toward goal.
Osman Bukari’s header of Baba Rahman’s cross gave optimism to Ghana, which had been looking bleak.
The Stars were searching for an equalizer throughout the nine minutes of added time, and they nearly got it when Inaki Williams stumbled just as he was about to sneak behind Diogo Costa to steal the ball.
Portugal already leads the group after the victory, although today’s setback to the Black Stars might not be too costly given that South Korea and Uruguay earlier in the day drew 0-0.
“I have seen some new players in there who played some fantastic football so we have some great potential in there. Otto Addo is a good coach so I think we should give him some space to able to blend the team. So far so good”
John Mahama concluded
Akua Karle Okyere
Akua Karle Okyere is a lifestyle blogger at The Vocal Ghanaian and also a PR technician. She enjoys researching on travels and tours and writing fictional stories in her leisure time.