Carlos Queiroz’s first match in charge of Ghana’s Black Stars ended in frustration as Wales scored a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night.
The encounter formed part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Queiroz handed opportunities to several young players and deployed a 3-4-3 formation. Lawrence Ati-Zigi started in goal, shielded by a back three of Jerome Opoku, Marvin Senaya and Jonas Adjetey. Thomas Partey and Elisha Owusu anchored the midfield, while Gideon Mensah and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku operated as wing-backs. Jordan Ayew, Prince Kwabena Adu and Kamaldeen Sulemana led the attack.
Wales made a bright start and nearly opened the scoring early on, but Ati-Zigi produced an important save to keep the hosts at bay. Craig Bellamy’s side dominated possession and continued to apply pressure, although Ghana remained organised defensively.
The Black Stars gradually grew into the contest and came close to taking the lead before the break. Jordan Ayew tested the Welsh goalkeeper, but his effort lacked the power needed to find the back of the net as the first half ended goalless.
Queiroz made several changes after the restart, with Benjamin Asare replacing Ati-Zigi in goal and Kwasi Sibo coming on for Partey. Ernest Nuamah and Brandon Thomas-Asante were also introduced in place of Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Prince Kwabena Adu respectively.
Despite continued pressure from the hosts, Ghana’s defence held firm, with Opoku producing a number of crucial interventions to preserve the deadlock.
Further substitutions followed on the hour mark as Caleb Yirenkyi and Christopher Bonsu replaced Elisha Owusu and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the closing stages. Jonas Adjetey first went close with a header that drifted wide before Ghana struck moments later. After winning possession in midfield, Nuamah unleashed a powerful effort that crashed against the post, with Yirenkyi reacting quickest to slot home the rebound and score his maiden goal for the Black Stars.
Ghana looked on course for victory and twice threatened to extend their advantage, but a lack of composure in the final third prevented them from putting the game beyond Wales.
Queiroz continued to rotate his squad, introducing Inaki Williams, Alidu Seidu and Abdul Mumin in the 75th minute, while Baba Rahman replaced Gideon Mensah late in the game.
However, Ghana’s hopes of a winning start under their new coach were dashed deep into stoppage time. Sustained pressure from Wales forced defensive errors, and Lewis Koumas capitalised in the 93rd minute to level the scores and earn the hosts a share of the spoils.
While the result denied Queiroz a dream debut, the performance of several young players offered encouragement ahead of the World Cup.
The Black Stars will now turn their attention to their final preparatory match against Jamaica on June 10.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. Ghana will open their tournament against Panama at BMO Field on June 17, face England on June 23 and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
The four-time African champions will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final appearance at the 2010 World Cup after suffering early exits in recent major tournaments.
