Twenty-year-old striker Lewis Koumas struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a 1-1 draw for Wales and deny Ghana a long-awaited victory in an international friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Black Stars looked set to secure their first win in nearly eight months after substitute Caleb Yirenkyi’s second-half strike had put them ahead in a spirited performance under new head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Ghana entered the contest looking to end a difficult run of results that had seen the team go winless since October 2025. While the result ultimately extended that streak, there were encouraging signs for the Black Stars as they showed greater organisation and resilience in Queiroz’s first match in charge.
The encounter served as an important preparation fixture ahead of Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Portuguese tactician using the game to assess his squad and experiment with tactical approaches before the tournament begins.
After a tightly contested first half, Ghana gradually grew into the game and created the better opportunities after the break.
Their breakthrough arrived in the 66th minute through Yirenkyi, who had only recently entered the match. Ernest Nuamah initiated the move with a powerful effort that was saved by Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
The rebound fell kindly for Yirenkyi, whose initial touch ricocheted off the post before he calmly tapped the ball into an unguarded net to hand Ghana the lead.
The goal sparked celebrations among the Ghanaian players and coaching staff, who sensed that a first victory in months was within reach.
The Black Stars then produced a disciplined defensive display, frustrating the hosts and limiting their clear-cut chances.
Ghana appeared on course to end a disappointing run that had stretched back to their 1-0 victory over Comoros in the FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium in October last year.
Winless Run Continues
Since that win against Comoros right months ago, Ghana had endured a miserable sequence of results. Defeats to Japan and South Korea in the Kirin Cup in November were followed by a heavy 5-1 loss to Austria and a 2-1 defeat against Germany in March.
The poor run eventually led to the sack of Otto Addo as head coach in early April.
The Black Stars recently suffered a 2-0 loss to Mexico in May, although only one player from that squad, Benjamin Asare, went on to make the final World Cup roster.
Encouraging Start for Queiroz
Despite the late disappointment, there were several positives for Queiroz to take from his first outing as Ghana coach.
The experienced Portuguese manager has had only a limited period to work with the squad since his appointment in late April, but his influence was already evident in the team’s structure and defensive organisation.
Ghana looked more compact without the ball and displayed greater discipline throughout much of the contest.
The match also provided the 73-year-old coach with a valuable opportunity to evaluate his players in a competitive environment and test different formations ahead of the World Cup.
However, just as Ghana seemed destined to celebrate a morale-boosting victory, Wales found a way back into the game. Deep into stoppage time, Koumas capitalised on a loose marking in the Ghana defence to head home the equaliser and snatch a draw for the hosts.
The goal was a cruel blow for the Black Stars, who were only moments away from ending their lengthy winless run. Instead, the wait for a victory continues, although the performance itself offered reasons for optimism.
Another Friendly on the Card
Reports suggest Ghana could face Jamaica in their final warm-up match before beginning their World Cup campaign.
The Black Stars are scheduled to open their tournament against Panama in Toronto on June 17. Queiroz knows time is not on his side as he attempts to implement his ideas before the global showpiece.
Yet while victory narrowly slipped away in Cardiff, Ghana’s improved display suggested the team may be moving in the right direction as preparations for their fifth World Cup appearance gather pace.
READ ALSO: Electoral Board Rejects Riquelme’s Allegations Ahead of Real Madrid’s Presidential Election
