Salisu's World Cup dream ends on dramatic night

There was early promise for the Black Stars, who were awarded a first-half penalty when Mohammed Kudus was upended by goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

But in a painful repeat of the controversial 2010 World Cup quarter-final between the same two countries, Ghana spurned the chance from the spot, as captain André Ayew was denied by Rochet low to his left.

Uruguay took full advantage by scoring twice before the interval, with both goals coming from Giorgian de Arrascaeta.

With the South Americans in control, Ghana pushed for a route back into the contest but were unable to reduce the deficit.

However, a late twist arrived in the shape of an unlikely winner from Wolves’ Hwang Hee-Chan against group winners Portugal, which sent South Korea through to the last 16 at Uruguay’s expense.

Salisu’s Ghana ultimately finished bottom of Group H with three points, but can hold their heads high after competitive showings against all three opponents.