Ghanaian Born Striker Mohammed Muntari Makes World Cup Debut For Qatar

• Mohammed Muntari has become the first player of Ghanaian descent to play for Qatar at the World Cup
• The Kumasi-born striker came on in the second half as Qatar lost their opening game at the World Cup
• Enner Valencia scored a brace as Ecuador strolled to victory against the host nation at the Al Bayt stadium

Kumasi-born Ghanaian forward Mohammed Muntari has finally made his World Cup debut for the Qatari national football team.

The 28-year-old was a second half substitute as Qatar opened their World Cup campaign with defeat to Ecuador.

The player who grew up on the streets of Kumasi came close to grabbing a consolation for the gulf nation, but his thunderous strike was inches wide.

In photos shared on social media, the Aspire Academy graduate is seen in the colours of Qatar as he tries to make his country proud.

Footage of Ghanaian fans storming Qatar in excitement ahead of World Cup emerges

Football

Muntari plays in the Qatari Stars League with giants Al Duhail and has since been a key member of the national team.

Although he started his career in Ghana, the forward was recruited by Aspire Academy as a teenage. He left the shores of Ghana to hone his skills before eventually deciding to represent Qatar.

Muntari and Salisu spotted playing street football in Kumasi

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Mohammed Muntari and Mohammed Salisu will represent Qatar and Ghana respectively at the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.

A few years ago however, the duo were playing street football in Sabon Zongo, a surburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The duo have had an upward trajectory in their careers, from the days of honing their skills in Kumasi to leaving the shores of Ghana.

World Cup 2022: Sadio Mane missing as African champions Senegal arrive in Qatar for global showpiece

Football

Valencia double sinks Qatar

Qatar became the first home team to lose their opening World Cup match as Ecuador cruised to a 2-0 victory over the hosts, with Enner Valencia scoring twice in the tournament curtain-raiser on Sunday.

Asian champions Qatar enjoyed the backing of the majority of the crowd at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium but could not follow a glitzy opening ceremony with a statement setting performance.

Ecuador thought they had made a dream start when they silenced the home fans as Valencia headed in, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for an offside in the build-up.