Ghana’s Joseph Paintsil opens scoring account in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Ghana international Joseph Paintsil delivered a standout performance for LA Galaxy as they earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sporting San Miguelito in their CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One clash on Friday night.

The Black Stars pacey winger started the encounter and featured for 76 minutes, playing a decisive role in helping the American side secure a valuable away result at the Estadio Universitario in a fiercely contested fixture.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Panama international Rodrigo Tello found the back of the net, sending the home fans into celebration and handing Sporting San Miguelito a slim advantage heading into the halftime break.

However, LA Galaxy returned from the interval with renewed intensity, and Paintsil’s influence began to grow. After a lively second-half display, the Black Stars winger restored parity in the 68th minute after being set up by Joao Klauss.

The Ghana international was replaced by Harbor Miller in the 76th-minute, having already propelled the team to safety with a goal.

The 28-year-old’s crucial strike not only rescued a point for LA Galaxy but also sets the tone for what they hope will be a strong campaign in the continental competition.

With the World Cup fast approaching, Paintsil will be hoping to maintain his form in order to secure a place in the Black Stars after missing out in the 2022 global showpiece in Qatar.