Gutsy performance, you’ve shown you can compete – Akufo-Addo lauds Black Stars after defeat

H.E. Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, has applauded Ghana's Black Stars following their 3-2 defeat to Portugal.

The president commended the players for their courageous performance against the Portuguese on Thursday, November 24.

President Akufo-Addo said in a post shared on his social media platforms on Thursday that the squad has proven it can compete with any team in the tournament.

He advised the players to concentrate on their upcoming game against the South Koreans on Monday, November 24.

“Gutsy performance by the Black Stars in today’s match against Portugal. Very proud of the entire team.

“They live to fight another day, and have shown they have what it takes to mix it up against any team in the tournament. Looking forward to the next game against South Korea,” the president wrote.

The Black Stars of Ghana conceded their first goal in their first Group H game against the Portuguese on a spot kick by 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, a penalty many complain was a cheat to the African side.

Meanwhile, the captain of the Black Stars, Andre Dede Ayew, got Ghana’s equaliser in the 73rd minute, a goal that sought to end Africa’s goalless record in this year’s tournament.

Unfortunately for the Black Stars, Jao Felix put Portugal in the lead with a goal he registered five minutes after Ghana’s equalizer, in the 78th minute, followed swiftly by a third goal from 23-year-old Rafael Leao in a very contentious attack.

The African giant came back strongly with a goal from Bukari Osman, age 23, who became the last net shaker (goal scorer) of the game.

Ghana will conclude its Group H campaign after South Korea's match with Uruguay on Friday, December 2 at 3pm in the Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah).