Ghana head coach, Otto Addo, says Portugal’s penalty against the Black Stars in their 2022 World Cup Group H encounter was a special gift from referee Ismail Efalth.

The American referee awarded the Portuguese a contentious penalty in the 64th minute, which Cristiano Ronaldo converted for the game’s opener.

The protestations of the Ghanaian players were ignored by Efalth.

The Euro 2016 champions won 3-2 at Stadium 974 Thursday evening, with Joao Felix and Raphael Leao scoring their second goals.

Andre Ayew and Osman Bukari scored the two goals for the Black stars.  

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Otto Addo expressed his disappointment at the performance of the referee.

“The referee gave a penalty which was not a penalty. Everyone saw that. Why? Because it's Ronaldo or something?” Otto Addo said.

“If somebody scores a goal, congratulations. But this was really a gift. A special gift from the referee."

“I asked if I could speak to the ref and was told he's in a meeting and it's not possible.”

Ghana will next play South Korea on Monday, November 28 to seek resurrection for their chances at the global showpiece before wrapping up the group face against Uruguay on December 2.