Ghana’s Black Stars revived their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for only the second time with a thrilling Group H victory after a second-half fightback from South Korea.
The 2010 quarterfinalists impressed in an opening 3-2 defeat against Portugal and went in front in the 24th minute when defender Mohammed Salisu swept home Jordan Ayew’s curling free-kick.
Ghana had another 10 minutes later after Ayew whipped in another superb delivery from the left and the faintest of headers from Mohammed Kudus doubled the Black Stars’ lead.
South Korea, who finished fourth at the 2002 finals and began with a useful 0-0 draw against Uruguay, hit back with two headers from Cho Gue-sung in quick succession to draw level after the break.
But Ghana, the lowest-ranked side in the competition at 61st in the world, regained the lead in the 68th minute when Kudus side-footed home his second from Gideon Mensah’s cross.
They held on amid a late onslaught to earn a precious win ahead of a final group game against Uruguay, while South Korea coach Paulo Bento, who was red-carded after the final whistle, must pick his players up before facing Portugal on Friday.
Ghana will play South America side Uruguay in their final Group H game on December 2nd (Friday) at 3pm.
Goals:24th min – GHA – Mohammed Salisu34th min – GHA – Mohammed Kudus58th min – KOR – Cho Gue-sung61st min – KOR – Cho Gue-sung68th min – GHA – Mohammed Kudus
Confirmed lineups:
South Korea (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. S. Kim (GK) — 3. J. Kim, 4. M. Kim, 19. Y. Kim, 15. M.H. Kwon — 5. Jung, 6. Hwang — 25. J. Uijo, 22. K. Changhoon, 7. Son — 9. C. Guesung
Ghana (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Ati-Zigi (GK) — 2. Lamptey, 18. Amartey, 4. Salisu, 14. Mensah — 5. Partey, 21. Abdul Samed, 20. Kudus, — 10. A. Ayew 19. Williams, 9, J. Ayew
By: D. N. A. MENSAH, Daily Mail GH /Follow the writer @SkipperWrites on Twitter
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