Amartey Features In Ghana's Defeat By Portugal
- Daniel Amartey featured for Ghana on Thursday evening
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Portugal ran out 3-2 winners against the Black Stars
- Andre Ayew and Osman Bukari netted for the African side
- Ghana face South Korea on Monday afternoon in their second group stage match
Amartey started and played the full 90 minutes for the Black Stars in their first match in Qatar, losing 3-2 to Portugal at Ras Abu Aboud Stadium on Thursday evening.
Lining up on the right side of a back three, the City defender was in contest all night with Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and produced a determined performance, despite being defeated by the UEFA EURO 2016 champions.
Half an hour in, Ronaldo looked to give Portugal the lead when he fired in an effort past Lawrence At-Zigi in the Ghanian net, but the forward would have his celebrations cut short, when the referee blew for a foul on Alexander Dijku in the build up to the goal.
Just past the hour mark, Ronaldo did give Portugal the lead when he converted a penalty, having been fouled himself in the box by Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
Ghana would go on to produce a determined response to the opener, when Mohammed Kudus set up Andre Ayew to tap in from a few yards out, levelling the scores in the 73rd minute, but the moment of elation wouldn't last long as the European side took a commanding two-goal lead within the next eight minutes.
Joao Félix regained the lead for Portugal before substitute Rafeal Leao found the bottom corner with virtually his first touch of the game, ensuring the win for Fernando Santos' men.
Osman Bukari did make it an interesting end to the game when the winger headed home a deep cross to the back post, but it would make no effect on the outcome of the game.
The defeat leaves Ghana in fourth place of Group H heading into their second fixture, which sees Amartey have another chance to represent his country, when the Black Stars take on South Korea on Monday 28 November (1pm kick-off).
Check back to LCFC.com/WorldCup for updates on the Club's seven players in Qatar.
All times GMT.