Black Stars suffers defeat to Mexico in friendly

Ghana’s Black Stars lost 1-0 to Mexico in an international friendly on Thursday morning.

Ghana began the game on a good note and nearly got the opener in the 14th minute when Frank Acheampong saw his shot go wide after a nice one-two play with Raphael Dwamena.

Majeed Waris was denied by the Mexican goalkeeper 2 minutes later after his effort was saved from a pinpoint shot.

Mexico gradually warmed themselves into the game midway in the first half and eventually won themselves a penalty after Elias Henandez was brought down in the box by John Boye.

Henandez converted the penalty to put Mexico in the lead by sending goalkeeper Richard Ofori the wrong way.

Winger Thomas Agyepong nearly got the equalizer for the Black Stars in the 41st minute after shooting straight into the Mexican goalkeeper having taken on his marker in the 18-yard box.

Raphael Dwamena fluffed what seemed to be the best chance for Ghana after failing to connect a passing header from John Boye in the 52nd minute.

Coach Kwesi Appiah brought on David Accam to replace Thomas Agyepong who had made little impact in the first half. Defender Jerry Akaminko also came on for Harrison Afful. Mohammed Abu also came on for Isaac Sackey who was making his debut for the Black Stars.

Ebenezer Ofori’s well-taken free kick in the 69th minute went just wide after David Accam had been fouled on the edge on the box.

Frank Acheampong cursed his stars after his wonderful strike hit the post in the 77th minute. The Anderlecht man was unlucky to have his ball at the back of the net having beaten his marker.

Captain Asamoah Gyan was introduced late in the game when he came on for Raphael Dwamena. The striker came close in leveling the score only to have his header go wide.

Ghana will next play the United States in another international friendly on Tuesday.