Portugal are the favourites on paper but the field will be different – Andre Ayew

Ahead of Ghana’s opening 2022 FIFA World Cup fixture against Portugal, Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew, has described the European country as the favourites on paper.

Portugal are currently ranked ninth in the World, 52 places above the Black Stars, who occupy the 61st position.

The quality of players available at the disposal of head coach Fernando Santo also means the 2016 European champions head into the game as the better side.

However, Ayew believes despite their ranking and top players, the pitch will determine whether Portugal will beat Ghana at the 974 Stadium when the two teams meet.

“We all know that if we’re going to get into this game Portugal are the ones who are favourites on paper,” he began.

“But after, we have to show on the field that on paper is not what will happen on the pitch so we are ready. We are ready and we know we are playing a big side that were European champions some years back and have top players.

“But we believe in ourselves and we know what is ahead of us and we going to do everything to make it very difficult for them.”

Ghana will be looking to start their campaign at the Mundial on a high after the disastrous 2021 Africa Cup of Nations that has caused a lot of dissatisfaction for the team.