Ghana lost their first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal team on Thursday.

The Black Stars narrowly lost 3-2 to the former European Champions in a Group H encounter at the Stadium 974 (Rass Abou Aboud ).

Ghana came into the match seeking to become the first African side to pick maximum points in Qatar, after Cameroon and Senegal lost, while Tunisia and Morocco picked a point apiece.

The first half ended without a goal, but the game came to life in the 65th minute, when Ronaldo who has been in the news for the wrong reasons for the past few days broke the deadlock from penalty spot.

The 37 year-old became the first player to score in five FIFA Men’s World Cup in the process.

The goal was cancelled out by Andre Ayew in the 73rd minute, but two goals in quick succession from Rafael Leao and Joao Felix restored Portugal’s advantage.

Osman Bukari did get a goal back with a minute left to play in the regulation time, but the European side held on for the three points.

Portugal have won their opening game at a World Cup finals for the first time in four attempts (D2 L1). In addition, the Seleção’s victory marked their fifth successive game without defeat against African sides at the World Cup (W4 D1).