Pompey rediscovered their winning touch with a 3-1 triumph at Lincoln to get the 2026-27 campaign up and running.
The hosts were hosting their first game back in the Championship for more than 60 years, yet John Mousinho’s men spoiled the party with a crucial result amid some excellent goals.
Ryan Kavumba-McQueen opened the scoring and then Adrian Segecic doubled their advantage with a free-kick, with Abu Kamara involved in both.
Former Blues winger Reeco Hackett pulled one back for Lincoln from the penalty spot after Zak Swanson had handled, but substitute Ebou Adams wrapped things with a stunning 25-yard strike on 69 minutes.
And here are our Pompey player ratings...
1. Goal, Portsmouth midfielder Ebou Adams (38) Lincoln 1-3 Portsmouth during the EFL Championship match between Lincoln City and Portsmouth at LNER Stadium, Lincoln, England on 22nd August 2026
Ebou Adams celebrates his stunning strike which clinched a 3-1 victory for Pompey. Picture: Jason Brown | Jason Brown
2. Nicolas Schmid - 7
Produced an excellent one-on-one stop to deny House after five minutes when the scoreline was goalless. Commanded his box well. Beaten by Hackett’s penalty. | Chris Foxwell/ProSportsImages
3. Terry Devlin - 7
Solid performance and defensively sound throughout. Not too many surges forward, but always in complete control. Returned to the centre of midfield late on too. | Jeff Mood/ProSportsImages
4. Benjy Arthur - 7
Handed his Pompey full debut, replacing Regan Poole as Conor Shaughnessy’s partner in the centre of defence. Started off a little shaky, but grew as the game progressed. Played key role in opening goal with his pass from defence to Kamara to start the attack. | Jeff Mood/ProSportsImages