Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback after the Black Stars fell to a 2-0 defeat against Mexico on Saturday morning at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc.
With head coach Carlos Queiroz unavailable for the encounter, assistant coach Desmond Ofei took charge as Ghana faced the North American side in an international friendly aimed at sharpening preparations for the global tournament.
The match also provided an opportunity for several invited players to make their debuts, with midfielder Majeed Ashimeru captaining the side.
Mexico made a dream start, taking the lead just two minutes into the contest. Midfielder Brian Gutiérrez found space outside the penalty area before drilling a low right-footed effort into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Benjamin Asare with no chance.
The early setback unsettled Ghana, who struggled to establish their passing rhythm. Defender Oscar Oppong entered the referee’s book in the 13th minute after a rash challenge on Mexican youngster Gilberto Mora, whose movement and creativity caused persistent problems for the Black Stars defence.
Mexico almost doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Mora struck the right post with a fierce effort. The rebound kindly fell to Armando González, but Asare reacted sharply to deny the striker from close range and keep Ghana within touching distance heading into the break.
The Black Stars returned for the second half with greater urgency and nearly found an equaliser during a lively spell shortly after the restart.
Felix Afena-Gyan came closest, forcing two excellent saves from substitute goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo in quick succession in the 52nd and 53rd minutes with dangerous efforts from inside the area.
Moments later, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi was denied by the crossbar after curling a superb left-footed strike from outside the box following Ibrahim Osman’s pass from a corner routine.
Ghana’s inability to capitalise proved costly.
Barely a minute after Rak-Sakyi’s near miss, Mexico launched a swift counter-attack. Luis Romo surged forward before releasing Guillermo Martínez, who calmly guided a left-footed finish into the top corner in the 54th minute to double the hosts’ advantage.
With the altitude beginning to take its toll and the game slipping away, Ghana made a series of substitutions in search of renewed energy. Razak Simpson, Prince Amoako and Jerry Afriyie were introduced, while goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi replaced Benjamin Asare in the 76th minute. Midfielders Salim Adams and Aziz Issah were also thrown into the action.
Despite trailing, the Black Stars continued to push for a breakthrough until the closing stages. Jerry Afriyie came close deep into stoppage time when his goal-bound header from Ebenezer Adade’s delivery was blocked, while Salim Adams tested Acevedo with a powerful long-range effort that required another impressive save.
Mexico, however, remained organised at the back to preserve their clean sheet and condemn Ghana to defeat.
The result leaves the Black Stars with important lessons to address at both ends of the pitch as preparations continue for the World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ghana will now shift focus to their next friendly against Wales on June 2 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
