- Black Stars Draw 1-1 With Wales in Carlos Queiroz’s First Game
Ghana’s Black Stars ended their four-game losing streak with a spirited 1-1 draw against Wales in an international friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night.
The match marked the first game in charge for veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who is leading Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Wales controlled much of the opening half and nearly took the lead in the 11th minute when Dan James connected with a dangerous header, only for Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to produce a brilliant fingertip save to push the ball onto the post.
The hosts continued to threaten moments later, with James again going close after crashing a volley against the crossbar.
Despite Wales’ dominance, Ghana had a golden chance to open the scoring midway through the first half.
Captain Jordan Ayew intercepted a misplaced pass from goalkeeper Karl Darlow, but his heavy touch forced him wide, allowing the Welsh shot-stopper to recover in time.
Midfielder Thomas Partey was fortunate to avoid a red card before halftime after a late challenge on David Brooks. Already on a booking, Partey escaped a second yellow and was substituted at the break.
Ghana nearly snatched the lead before halftime through Marvin Senaya, whose deflected strike was tipped over the bar by Darlow.
Queiroz reshuffled his side after the restart, introducing Benjamin Asare, Kwasi Sibo, Ernest Nuamah and Brandon Thomas-Asante — changes that immediately lifted the Black Stars’ attacking intensity.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute.
Nuamah burst through the Welsh defence and saw his initial effort saved by Darlow, but Caleb Yirenkyi reacted quickest to the rebound. After striking the post with his first attempt, Yirenkyi calmly followed up to slot home and hand Ghana the lead.
Wales pushed hard for an equaliser and nearly benefited from an own goal after Gideon Mensah’s attempted clearance flashed narrowly wide.
The pressure eventually paid off deep into stoppage time when Neco Williams delivered a teasing cross for Lewis Koumas, who guided a header into the corner in the 93rd minute to rescue a draw for the hosts.
One of the major positives for Ghana was the lively display from Nuamah.
The winger looked sharp and energetic despite limited playing time at club level this season following a lengthy recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The result gives Ghana a much-needed confidence boost after suffering four consecutive defeats during the November 2025 and March 2026 international windows.
For Queiroz, the performance offered early signs of a team trying to rediscover belief, discipline and attacking purpose ahead of the World Cup.
The Black Stars are expected to face Jamaica on June 10 in their final warm-up game before opening their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama as they aim to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010.
The draw in Cardiff may not have delivered victory, but it offered something Ghana badly needed: a break from defeat, a glimpse of renewed energy and a first look at Queiroz’s attempt to rebuild the Black Stars before football’s biggest stage.
