Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyei delivered an eye-catching performance despite the Black Stars’ 2-0 defeat to Mexico in an international friendly on Saturday morning.
The Dundee United F.C. midfielder was handed a starting role at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc and emerged as one of Ghana’s standout performers in the encounter.
With assistant coach Desmond Ofei taking charge in the absence of head coach Carlos Queiroz, Agyei produced a composed and energetic display in the middle of the park that is likely to strengthen his case for inclusion in Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup later this summer.
Goals from Brian Gutiérrez and Guillermo Martínez in either half secured victory for the hosts, but Agyei’s performance remained one of the major positives for the Black Stars.
Operating alongside Majeed Ashimeru in midfield, the young playmaker impressed with his calm decision-making, intelligent movement and incisive line-breaking passes throughout the contest.
Agyei lasted 75 minutes before being replaced by Salim Adams and earned a solid 8.0 rating for his performance.
The midfielder is now expected to retain his place when Queiroz announces Ghana’s squad for the upcoming friendly against Wales, with growing confidence that he could secure a place in the squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Agyei has enjoyed a promising start to life in Scotland since joining Dundee United in January, making 11 appearances in his debut season in the Scottish Premiership.
Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and have been drawn alongside Panama, England and Croatia in the group stage.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17 before facing England at Boston Stadium on June 23.
Ghana will then wrap up their group-stage fixtures against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27.
