African contingents at the ongoing FIFA World Cup have been characterized by underwhelming displays. Not only have they put up run-of-the-mill performances but also, they have struggled to establish the African presence at the biggest stage of footballing event across the globe.

The Senegalese defeat to Netherlands was followed by a stalemate draw for both Tunisia and Morocco before Cameroon and Ghana were beaten by Switzerland and Portugal respectively.

Ghana, though, lost to Portugal in a dramatic 3-2 encounter, they were yet the best African team in the tournament so far. As the lowest ranked team (61st) by FIFA in the tournament, the Black Stars were highly-spirited, enthusiastic and zealous as they forced Portugal to a hard-fought victory to sit at the summit of the standings in Group H.

Veteran attacker and Ghanian skipper, Andrew Ayew canceled out Cristiano Ronaldo’s 65th minute penalty as Ghana, against the run of play saw Muhammad Kudus squaring the ball into the path of Ayew, only for the striker to fire home from close range. In doing so, he became the first African player to score at this World Cup and consequently making Ghana the first team to do so.

With Portugal seemingly taking the game beyond Ghana’s reach having scored two goals — that proved to be the eventual decider — in seven minutes, the African representative responded once again. This time it was substitute Osman Bukari’s header that halved the deficit in the 89th minute.

In the end, the Otto Addo-managed side settled for an opening defeat but there were plenty of positives to take from the game and a handful of delightful moment for Africa at large. Should they build on this impressive momentum, there is every likelihood to secure maximum points against a less competitive South Korean and Uruguayan side come next week.

Perhaps Ghana may have just sent a statement of desirous intent to surpass their 2010 quarter-final feat when they lost against Uruguay and become the first African nation to break the semi-final bound.