Black Stars coach, Otto Addo, has dismissed assertions that the team over-respected Portugal in their first World Cup clash at Doha's 974 Stadium.
According to some critics, the team lost their opening Group H game because they were overwhelmed by the caliber of the Portuguese; forcing them to coil into their shells.
But reacting to these concerns, the Black Stars trainer stated in a presser on Sunday that his boys played without any intimidations.
He stated that even though the squad had some inexperienced legs, it did not affect their confidence against the star-studded Portuguese side.
Responding to a question from JoyNews' Gary Al-Smith, he said, "I don't think it's true. Our players did so well. I don't think we over respected them".
He continued, "For me, we showed that we could compete with them, even though we had a lot of inexperienced players.
Some even had their debuts in the last game against Switzerland, but they performed".
In a match that has been widely described as 'unfair', the Black Stars lost by three goals to two against the Portuguese last Thursday, November 24.
After a goalless first half, the Portuguese drew first blood after Ronaldo converted a controversial penalty in the 65th minute.
The lead was soon canceled by Ghanaian skipper, André Dede Ayew in the 73rd minute, after tapping home from a pass by Ajax midfielder, Mohammed Kudus.
But the Portuguese took the lead again and deepened their dominance with goals from João Félix and Rafael Leão in the 78th and 80th minute respectively.
The Stars managed to close the gap with an 89th minute strike from substitute, Osman Bukari, heading home a cross from former Chelsea defender, Baba Rahman.
But this was not enough to stop the team from conceding their first defeat in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the team is poised to make amends in their next match against South Korea.
Addressing the press, coach Otto Addo, said his charges are fired up for their second game in Qatar.
He said says Ghanaians will see a passionate Black Stars team against South Korea on Monday.
Latest Stories
-
We didn’t sneak out 10 BVDs; they were auctioned as obsolete equipment – EC
3 hours -
King Charles to resume public duties after progress in cancer treatment
4 hours -
Arda Guler scores on first start in La Liga as Madrid beat Real Sociedad
4 hours -
Fatawu Issahaku’s Leicester City secures Premier League promotion after Leeds defeat
4 hours -
Anticipation builds as Junior Speller hosts nationwide auditions
5 hours -
Etse Sikanku: The driver’s mate conundrum
5 hours -
IMF Deputy Chief worried large chunk of Eurobonds is used to service debt
5 hours -
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II celebrates 25 years of peaceful rule on golden stool
5 hours -
We have enough funds to pay accruing benefits; we’ve never missed pension payments since 1991 – SSNIT
6 hours -
Let’s embrace shared vision and propel National Banking College – First Deputy Governor
7 hours -
Liverpool agree compensation deal with Feyenoord for Slot
7 hours -
Ejisu by-election: There’s no evidence of NPP engaging in vote-buying – Ahiagbah
7 hours -
Ejisu by-election: Independent ex-NPP MP’s campaign team warns party against dubious tactics
7 hours -
ZEN Petroleum supports Tse-Addo Future Leaders School
8 hours -
NPP must win back Adentan seat in 2024 polls – Obeng Fosu
8 hours