Mohammed Kudus scored twice as Ghana beat South Korea 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup encounter on Monday to keep their World Cup hopes alive and leave Paulo Bento’s side facing an early exit.
Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring against the run of play midway through the first half at Education City Stadium and Ajax midfielder Kudus doubled the Black Stars’ lead.
But the Asian side, who looked toothless in the first half, roared after the break, leveling via a quick double from striker Cho Gue-sung on either side of the hour mark.
Ghana looked shocked as the Korean fans celebrated wildly, but they were back in front in the 68th minute when Kudus struck calmly at the far post after Inaki Williams failed to connect with a cross from the left.
The result moves Ghana to second place in Group H with three points.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will add six points and ensure qualification for the round of 16 if they beat Uruguay in the subsequent match in Qatar.
Despite their efforts, South Korea is likely to sit out of the tournament in the group stage for the third consecutive World Cup.
The Asian team, captained by Son Heung-min, did not take long to establish themselves, forcing a succession of corner kicks and dominating possession of the ball, but without being able to shoot on goal throughout the first half.
Son looked uncomfortable in the black face mask he wears after undergoing surgery for a facial injury sustained while playing for Spurs, constantly readjusting it.
Ghana, who lost their opening match against Portugal 3-2, struggled to gain a foothold in the game.
But the game changed its tone completely in the 24th minute when the impressive Jordan Ayew, playing on the left for Ghana, finished off a cross from a free kick.
South Korea were unable to clear and Southampton centre-back Salisu struck with his left foot, sparking wild scenes of celebration among the red, white and green-clad Ghanaian fans.
The goal reinvigorated the African nation, which reached the quarterfinals in 2010, with South Korea struggling to deal with their physicality and direct approach.
Now playing with style and confidence, Ghana surged forward and doubled their lead on 34 minutes when Kudus headed in after Jordan Ayew’s pinpoint cross from the left.
Captain Andre Ayew, Jordan’s brother, called his men into a huddle on the field and the players got drenched in the sprinklers before heading out for their halftime peak.
The Koreans finally got a shot on goal in the 53rd minute, when goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi deflected Cho’s header.
But the Korean found the net minutes later, heading in a cross from substitute Lee Kang-in, who had just been introduced by Bento.
And they were level just three minutes later when Cho headed a Kim Jin-su ball from the left, causing scenes of raves among the Korean fans.
Now Ghana was sweeping but they regained their lead midway through the second half through Kudus.
South Korea is back again. Zigi was forced to make a save to deny a free kick as Salisu cleared the line.
The fourth official held up a board for 10 minutes of added time. South Korea pushed forward but couldn’t find the net and several of their players collapsed on the pitch at the final whistle.
Bento was sent off for protesting at the end of the match.
