‘Pure robbery’ – Fans lament lack of VAR review in Ghana vs Portugal World Cup match

The supporters were disappointed that the referee did not check Salisu's challenge that yielded Ronaldo's penalty as well as Leao's goal 

Fans in Africa believe Ghana were the victims of poor officiating following a questionable penalty handed to Portugal in their World Cup opener.

Ghana were holding on for a goalless draw before Mohammed Salisu was adjudged to have fouled Cristiano Ronaldo in the box in what appeared for be a soft challenge but the referee pointed to the spot after which the Portugal captain scored his country's opening goal.

While some supporters blamed Jordan Ayew for losing possession to allow Portugal score two late goals, a big number feel the Black Stars were hard done by, given the referee turned down their appeals to review the incident on VAR, setting the tone for the 3-2 defeat.

No VAR? 

OMG there was actually no VAR check. This is just pure robbery. – @_owurakuampofo

So, when it's against African teams then there's no VAR? Clear robbery against Ghana – @Bosongo_

Fifa World Cup, you guys robbed us. You guys need to cancel that penalty and [Portugal's] second goal was offside. You guys failed the fair play rule. You guys failed to accept our petition to check the VAR and call the offsides. This is wrong, this is not fair to Ghana or is Africa not part of the VAR? – Chris Tandoh

‘Biased' officiating

Both the referee and VAR officials were so bias. First refused to check that penalty which was never a penalty, then again refused to check [Rafael] Leao who was offside. – @Blaqqkoffi

Robbery of the highest order. Of

course, they can't check VAR to overturn the Penaldo [Ronaldo] dive that resulted in to a fake penalty. From 2018, VAR doesn't favour African countries. – Glen Fritizo

History on Ghana's side

The last time Ghana lost their opening World Cup match to a European country (Italy, 2006) they made the Round of 16. Hope. – @_owurakuampofo

Jordan to blame

Jordan Ayew for [Mohammed] Kudus, one of the all-time worst substitutions. Immediately loses the ball for two goals. Great work Ghana. – @JFfutbol

Petition to ban Jordan Ayew from stepping on the pitch again for the Black Stars. – @medSaaka

World Cup too big for Africa

Ghana should learn from the recent Nigeria thrashing. African teams should focus on Afcon and forget the World Cup. The competition is too big for them. – Richard Nyikwagh

Ghana will win next two

They played well, but there is a GOAT [Cristiano Ronaldo] in Portugal. Ghana will beat both South Korea and Uruguay. – Kelvin Sulugwe

Best match so far

The most thrilling match so far at the World Cup. Ghana gave a good account of themselves, better luck next time. Well done. – Olaiya Israel Denobles

The match was very entertaining and second half was such a nail-biting encounter! Well done Portugal but Ghana won my heart. -Uduak Philip

Kudus should have stayed 

Removing [Mohammed] Kudus was Ghana's error in that game. He was a major threat upfront. That penalty was a poor decision by the referee. – Opadeyi Oluseyi

Ghana really played well but the sub of Kudus and [Jordan] Ayew caused a disability. I'm Nigerian. – David Titiloye

Encouraging display by Ghana. I still don't understand why Kudus was taken off! As a football fan, I sympathise with Ghana for that penalty decision but as a South African, I say, what goes around comes around. – Bongani KaMabona

Ghana best African team

Ghana is the best team to represent Africa right now. Much love from Nigeria. I love their fighting spirit and wish to see more in their next matches. – Princewill Okehi

Ghana the African team that played football since this tournament started. The only African team that have scored in 2022 World Cup, my respect sha. – Victor Kosi

Poor mentality cost Ghana

It's high time the African teams stopped getting on the pitch with the mentality that they're underdogs.

It's showing in the way they're playing. A very strong mentality and belief is needed. – Taiwo Emmanuel