Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued with a 1-1 draw against Wales in an international friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Black Stars looked set for victory after taking the lead in the second half, but a late equaliser from the hosts ensured both teams shared the spoils in a competitive encounter.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz named a strong starting line-up, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal. Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Jerome Opoku and Jonas Adjetey formed the defensive line, while Thomas Partey and Elisha Owusu controlled the midfield.
Kamaldeen Sulemana and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku operated on the wings, supporting Jordan Ayew and Prince Kwabena Adu in attack.
After a balanced first half, Queiroz made several substitutions as he assessed his squad ahead of the World Cup. One of those changes proved decisive when Caleb Yirenkyi entered the game in the 60th minute.
The midfielder made an immediate impact, scoring just six minutes after coming on. The goal followed a dangerous attacking move led by Ernest Nuamah, whose pace and skill caused problems for the Welsh defence.
After Wales failed to clear the danger, Yirenkyi reacted quickly and calmly slotted the ball home from close range to put Ghana ahead.
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Nuamah was one of Ghana’s brightest performers after his introduction. The winger repeatedly stretched the Wales defence and helped create several attacking opportunities for the Black Stars.
As the match progressed, Queiroz continued to rotate his squad, bringing on players including Inaki Williams, Abdul Mumin, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Baba Rahman and Benjamin Asare.
Ghana looked dangerous on the counterattack and appeared on course to secure an important win. However, Wales found a way back into the match when Lewis Koumas scored deep into stoppage time to make it 1-1.
Although the late goal was disappointing, Queiroz will be encouraged by several aspects of his team’s performance, especially considering he has had only a short period to work with the players before the World Cup.
The Black Stars will now focus fully on the tournament, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama. Ghana begins their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17.
