Accra, June 14, GNA – The Black Stars of Ghana placed third at the 2022 Kirin Cup after beating Chile 3-1 on penalties after a scoreless stalemate in regulation time.
The Black Stars finished the game with nine-men after Alidu Seidu and Mubarak Wakaso were sent off, but prevailed in the penalty shootouts after two brilliant saves by Abdul Manaf Nurudeen.
Jordan Ayew, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Kudud Mohammed scored the respective spot-kicks for the Black Stars.
Black Stars Coach Otto Addo made significant changes to his starting lineup after their 4-1 loss against Japan, with goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen replacing Lawrence Ati-Zigi in post.
Other players including Benjamin Tetteh, Alidu Seidu and Mubarak Wakaso started the match.
The Black Stars looked a much better side in the first half, dominating play and creating opportunities but the Chileans defence dealt with their threat.
Captain Dede Ayew came close with numerous attempts in the second half, but his efforts narrowly missed the target.
Black Stars striker Benjamin Tetteh also came within inches of putting the Black Stars ahead, but his header struck the post in the late stages of the game as the game went to penalties.
The Black Stars subsequently won on penalties after the brilliance of goalkeeper Abdul Munaf Nurudeen.
The Black Stars would return to action in September as they face off with Angola in the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
GNA