Ghana coach Otto Addo was dissatisfied with his team’s failure to use counterattacks against Portugal in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener on Thursday.
The Black Stars started their season on the wrong foot, losing 3-2 to Fernando Santos’ side.
After a scoreless first half, Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Portugal from the penalty mark, but Ghana levelled through captain Andre Ayew from a close distance.
Portugal sealed the points with two goals in 2 minutes, Joao Felix converting a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao stroking in just seconds after coming on.
Ghana’s late consolation goal came from Osman Bukari, and there could have been big drama in the 9th minute of injury time.
“We didn’t play our counters very well but I think we defended well and allowed fewer chances,” coach Addo said after the game.
“I was hoping that second half when they push more, we will have more space but when they scored the goal the game changed. I think it was a wrong decision, we were playing the ball and surely there is contact afterwards”
“We tried as much, we scored two goals, we always came back with a little bit of luck and with Inaki’s trick trying to stay behind the goalkeeper, we had a big chance to score the third but very unlucky.”
“I can talk for hours but the bottom line is, in the end, we got zero points.”
The defeat means the Black Stars are bottom of Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.
The Black Stars will now switch their attention to the match against South Korea on Monday before taking on Uruguay on December 2 at the Education City stadium.
