Ghana star Osman Bukari has spoken out against claims that he was “disrespectful” towards Cristiano Ronaldo after using his trademark ‘si’ celebration in Portugal’s 3-2 win.
Ronaldo, who is believed to be playing in his final World Cup tournament, fired Portugal into the lead from the spot-kick in the second half on Thursday.
However, Ghana captain Andre Ayew cancelled out Ronaldo’s opener eight minutes later to hand his country a fighting chance at the Stadium 974 in Doha.
Portugal rallied back from Ayew’s equaliser after Joao Felix restored their lead in the 78th minute before Rafael Leao added to their advantage two minutes later.
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Bukari, who replaced Mohammed Kudus in the second half, handed Ghana a lifeline ahead of injury time after firing a beautiful header past Portugal No 1 Diogo Costa.
The 23-year-old Red Star Belgrade winger wheeled away in celebration and took a page out of Ronaldo’s playbook by doing the Portugal captain’s ‘si’ celebration.
Portugal held on to their slim advantage through a nervy injury-time period to ensure an important World Cup win over Ghana.
The Euro 2016 champions’ victory over Ghana puts them in control of Group H, with South Korea and Uruguay second and third respectively on a point apiece.
Bukari’s decision to do the ‘si’ celebration in the Portugal win was met with criticism from fans, who believe the Red Star Belgrade player was being disrespectful.
However, the Ghana star has insisted he was “overcome by the emotion” of scoring for his country and claims that he was disrespectful towards Ronaldo are “incorrect.”
“I have noticed my celebration today has generated comments claiming I was disrespectful towards Cristiano Ronaldo,” Bukari wrote on social media.
“This is incorrect. I was overcome by the emotion of the moment of scoring for my country on my World Cup debut leading to my celebration.
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“My upbringing doesn’t permit me to be disrespectful to elders let alone one of my idols. Thanks for your support and we focus on our next game!”
Portugal will resume their World Cup campaign on Monday when they take on Uruguay at the Lusail Stadium.
Ghana, who are bottom of Group H, will also be in action on Monday in their clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium.
Topics: Ghana, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football World Cup, Football
Adnan Riaz