Ghana defeated South Korea 3-2 to clinch their first win at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in Doha on Monday.
The win lifts Black Stars to the top of Group H and will need draw to progress to the last 16 of the competition.
Here are five things we learned from the game:
Mohammed Kudus steps up again for Ghana
Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus was once again Ghana’s impressive player against South Korea. At age 22, he has the world at his feet. What a way to score his first goal World Cup for Ghana against South Korea. He added another one to make history by becoming the Ghanaian player to score a brace at the World Cup. Kudus followed up his impressive display against Portugal last Thursday with another Man of the Match performance
Jordan Ayew deserves to be named Black Stars starting XI for rest of competition
Jordan Ayew was one of the standout players for Ghana. He was criticized for his performance against Portugal, however he responded with an assured performance and could easily have won the Man of the Match award. What a way to win over the hearts of Ghanaians.
Mohammed Salisu ‘the rock’ for Ghana
Ghana conceded two goals in three minutes but Mohammed Salisu was solid at the heart of defence. He took his goal well to give Ghana the lead from a Jordan Ayew free-kick. He is one of the most sough after defenders in the World Cup and his performances at the World Cup will increase his market value.
Otto Addo needs to solve the defence
Ghana coach Otto Addo dropped Alexander Djiku and returned to a back four against South Korea. Despite the changes Ghana conceded two goals from poor defensive display. Black Stars have now conceded five goals in two games at the World Cup. If Ghana will go far in the tournament, they need to solve their defence.
Thomas Partey is no Essien
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been poor so far at this year’s World Cup. He has failed to churn out impressive display for the Black Stars so far at the tournament. He’s been compared with Chelsea legend Michael Essien following his displays at Arsenal this season but Partey has failed to replicate that at the Black Stars.