With World Cup survival as the prize, Ghana and South Korea came into this game determined to get their first win at this year’s tournament.
Korea began the game the brightest but it was Ghana that drew first blood in the 24th minute. Jordan Ayew whipped in a dangerous freekick into the box that eventually fell to the feet of Mohammed Salisu who volleyed home. It took the Black Stars just ten minutes to double their advantage, Mohammed Kudus getting on the scoresheet this time after a free flowing move from the Ghanians.
South Korea needed a reply in the second half and got their first goal in the 58th minute when substitute Lee Kang-in’s cross found the head of Cho Gue-sung. Now, there was new life in Korea’s attack and they bombed forward looking for the equalizer.
Eventually, it came. Once again, it was Cho rising highest above Ghana’s defence to power home another header in the 61st minute.
The Koreans came into this game following a goalless draw with Uruguay while Ghana lost in a 3–2 thriller against Portugal. With Portugal and Uruguay playing later today, both teams knew that a loss here would have very damning consequences or at least for Korea, make their chances of qualifying all the more harder.
In the 68th minute, Ghana restored their lead thanks again to Mohammed Kudus. The Ajax midfielder as on hand in the box after Inaki Williams missed his shot. Now, Ghana were up again and had to hold on to the lead.
Their defensive unit had to stand firm through the remainder of the 90 minutes and the additional 10 minutes added time through wave and wave of attacks from the South Koreans. South Korea piled on the pressure but they couldn’t find a way through with both goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi and a goal-line clearance keeping the Black Stars in the lead.
The full time whistle went confirming Ghana have their first win at this year’s finals. With three points on the board, this sets up a much anticipated winner takes all final game against Uruguay.
