Ghana breathed fresh life into their World Cup campaign with a thrilling win over South Korea in Monday, 28 November, 2022.
The match ended with with furious South Korea boss Paulo Bento shown a red card for directing his fury towards English referee Anthony Taylor.
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 survived 10 minutes of stoppage time to deny South Korea a second comeback, with Bento furious that Taylor blew for full-time with his team having won another corner. He will now miss his side’s final group game against his home country Portugal.
South Korea remain on one point in Group H, while Ghana’s victory takes them into second, with Portugal and Uruguay to face off in Monday’s final fixture in Lusail.