AR-RAYYAN: Mohammed Kudus netted twice in Ghana’s thrilling 3-2 victory over South Korea in the Group H encounter of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 at Education City Stadium here on Monday.
In a clash between two Group H bottom-ranked sides, Ghana recovered from a close 3-2 defeat against Portugal and kept their knockout qualification expedition intact as they produced a similar scoreline but in their favour against South Korea.
Otto Addo’s side had a flying start to their must-win group match as Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring in just the 24th minute when Jordan Ayew sent a dangerous cross into the South Korean box, who failed to clear the lines, allowing Salisu to fire the ball home with his left feet.
Kudus then doubled Ghana’s lead just 10 minutes later with a stunning header off Ayew’s assist, who sent a cross to the far post and the latter powered the ball sneak past Kim Seung-gyu.
Paulo Bento’s side, who appeared defenceless in the first half, bounced back after the break and pulled level 16 minutes into the second half, courtesy of a quickfire double from forward Cho Gue-sung, who produced back-to-back sensational headers.
Gue-sung’s double stunned Ghana but they held their composure to retain the lead in the 68th minute when Kudus fired the ball comprehensively into the nets after Inaki Williams failed to connect with a cross from the left.
Following the victory, Ghana rose to the second spot in the Group H standings, behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on goal difference.
