On June 17, 2006, midfielder Sulley Muntari produced one of the most memorable goals in the history of the Ghana national football team, sealing a famous victory at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

The Black Stars were facing the highly rated Czech Republic national football team in a crucial Group E encounter after losing their opening match to Italy.

With Ghana needing a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive, the pressure was immense.

Ghana took an early lead through Asamoah Gyan, but the match remained tense as the Czech Republic pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

As the game entered stoppage time at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Ghana launched a quick counterattack. Muntari controlled the ball and fired a powerful long-range left-footed shot that beat the goalkeeper and went straight into the net.

The dramatic goal sealed a 2-0 victory for the Black Stars to secure Ghana's first-ever win at the FIFA World Cup.

Muntari’s late strike not only confirmed the historic result but also kept Ghana’s qualification hopes alive.

The Black Stars went ahead to beat USA 2-1 in the final group game to qualaify to the knockout phase.



PAH/JE