Good afternoon and welcome to the live text coverage of the clash between South Korea and Ghana today in the 2022 FIFA World Cup;
All is set for the Group H contest between South Korea and Ghana to kick off at the Education City Stadium this afternoon.
Ghana after losing 3-2 to Portugal last Thursday must avoid a defeat today to stand any chance of advancing to the knockout stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Ahead of the game against South Korea, the national team of the West African country has targeted a win to have a good chance of progressing to the knockout stage of the tournament.
To this end, head coach Otto Addo has named a strong starting eleven team to do battle for the Black Stars.
Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi keeps his place in the team from the first match and will be protected by a back four that includes Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu.
Baba Rahman is dropped for Gideon Mensah while Jordan Ayew starts in attack with Inaki Williams and Mohammed Kudus.
Lawrence Ati-Zigi (GK)
Tariq Lamptey
Daniel Amartey
Mohammed Salisu
Gideon Mensah
Salis Abdul Samed
Thomas Partey
Mohammed Kudus
Andre Ayew (C)
Jordan Ayew
Inaki Williams
𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 ! 🚨
Our starting 𝗫𝗜 to face South Korea. #BlackStars | #FIFAWorldCup| #TeamGhana | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/yNI6bP3kPA
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 28, 2022
Here's how both teams line-up ahead of our next game! 🔍#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 28, 2022
The two teams are out on the pitch for the warm-up ahead of kick-off. As usual, the Ghanaian fans are here in their numbers to support the Black Stars.
We are just 30 minutes away from kick off.
A sneak peek inside the dressing room 👀#BlackStars | #FIFAWorldCup | #TeamGhana | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/35GlNm4s85
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 28, 2022
Ladies and gentlemen, kick-off is upon us. The two teams walk out onto the pitch amid cheers. We will now have the two national anthems of the countries.
First Half;
1' We are off at the Education City Stadium as South Korea kicks us off.
3' Ghana with a free-kick in a good position. Mohammed Kudus sends in a good ball but it is dealt with by the defense of South Korea.
4' South Korea breaks for a counter-attack as Ghana runs back to defend. A good defensive block averts the danger.
7' Pressure on Ghana as South Korea push for the opening goal. A series of corners in quick succession has found Ghana wanting.
9' Eventually, the Black Stars clear their lines to deal with the pressure.
11' South Korea have been the better side in the first 10 minutes. Ghana must improve to get something out of this game.
13' We have done 15 minutes of the first half and it has been South Korea enjoying all the possession.
15' Another corner for South Korea after a good play. Son is involved again but the defense of Ghana comes out strong.
18' Ghana have improved in the last few minutes. Still, a lot of work to be done if the Stars want to win this game.
23' Jordan Ayew wins a free-kick for Ghana.
25' Goal!!!! After consulting the VAR, referee Antony Taylor declares that Mohammed Salisu's goal is legitimate despite Andre Ayew's handling of the ball with his hand. South Korea 0-1 Ghana.
29' The tempo of the game has slowed down since the opening game.
30' We have done 30 minutes of this afternoon's game. Can South Korea find a way back into this one?
33' Ghana scores again to double their lead. It's Mohammed Kudus with a header. What an assist from Jordan Ayew.
35' The Black Stars are now dominating the game as South Korea continues to defend in numbers.
39' The possession of the game has changed hands now. It is the South Koreans seeing more of the ball as we enter the final 5 minutes of the first half.
40' We are now into the final five minutes of the first half.
45' Five minutes of added time to be played. Will there be another goal before the break.
45+3' Inaki Williams makes a good run behind the South Korea defense and wins a late corner for Ghana.
45+5 That will be all the action in the first half. We are back after 15 minutes with the second half.
Second Half;
46' We are back for the second half. Ghana kicks us off hoping to defend that two-goal lead from the first half.
48’ South Korea with a very good start to the second half just like they did in the first half. As expected, the Black Stars are defending very well.
50’ Defender Tariq Lamptey is applauded by Ghana head coach Otto Addo after a good attacking play.
52’ SAVE!! Lawrence Ati-Zigi pulls off a fantastic save to deny South Korea a goal.
55’ South Korea makes a second change in a desperate move to get back into the game.
57' Goal!! South Korea pulls one back.
60' Goal!!! It is all chaos in the Ghana defense. Another goal and South Korea are level. What a game!!
65' The tempo of the game has slowed down since the two goals from South Korea.
68’ Goal!!! Mohammed Kudus restores the lead for Ghana. Great show of resilience from the Black Stars.
70’ Still a long way to go. Now is the time for Ghana to concentrate to avoid conceding again.
74 Free kick for South Korea just behind the Ghana. It is well-taken but goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi goes down really well to punch the ball to safety.
76’ Thomas Partey wins a free kick to relieve the pressure from Ghana.
78’ Ghana will effect their first change. Andre Ayew comes off for Daniel-Kofi Kyereh.
79’ Jordan Ayew also comes off for Kamaldeen Sulemana.
80 We are into the final 10 minutes of the game. Can Ghana hold onto the lead.
81’ Ghana will make another change. Defender Alexander Djiku is coming on for Mohammed Kudus.
85’ South Korea are dominating the exchanges here in search of a goal to restore parity again.
87’ Gideon Mensah is down injured. He has been replaced by Baba Abdul Rahman.
90’ We have played the entire 90 minutes of this afternoon’s contest. We will play 10 minutes of additional time.
90+10 It is all over at the Education City Stadium. Ghana holds on to win 3-2. Vital win for the Black Stars.