Ghana on Monday beat South Korea at a World Cup game held in Doha, Qatar.
Mohammed Kudus scored twice as Ghana edged South Korea 3-2 in the dramatic World Cup match to keep alive their hopes of reaching the last 16.
Ghana, who would have been eliminated by a defeat, led through first-half goals from Mohammed Salisu and Kudus.
Cho Gue-sung scored with two brilliant headers in a ferocious three-minute spell for South Korea, but that brace did not prove to be the catalyst for victory, as Kudus’ cool 68th-minute finish sealed it in Ghana’s favour.
All the early purpose came from South Korea, with Daniel Amartey’s vital intervention denying Cho a tap-in after just five minutes.
But Ghana weathered the storm and edged in front before the half-hour mark, Salisu smashing in from close range after Jordan Ayew’s free-kick delivery caused havoc.
Another brilliant Ayew cross from the left brought a second goal 10 minutes later, as Kudus’ glancing header found the bottom-right corner.
South Korea had hope just before the hour. Lee Kang-in robbed Tariq Lamptey and saw his exquisite cross guided home by Cho.
And the striker towered above the Ghana defence to equalise a few moments later.
But Ghana had the last laugh, as Kudus clinically found the bottom-left corner after Inaki Williams completely missed his kick, and South Korea never found a response, with head coach Paulo Bento shown a red card after the final whistle for arguing with the officials.
Regardless of what happens in the later game between Portugal and Uruguay, South Korea will need to beat the Selecao on matchday three, and they will probably need to do so by a few goals.
Essentially, qualification for the last 16 now looks highly unlikely, whereas Ghana have the bit between their teeth and will only need a point next time out.
This performance showed teams will always cause the Black Stars problems defensively, but they have talent going forward, and the opportunity for payback after Luis Suarez’s infamous handball against them in 2010 will provide real motivation.
