Mexico squeeze by Ghana

Mexico squeeze by Ghana

A penalty in the first half ensured Ghana were beaten 1-0 by Mexico in an international friendly on Wednesday.

It was the third meeting between the two countries who are shaping up for crucial competitions ahead of them.

Mexico, who face Germany in the Confederations Cup semi-finals later on Thursday, presented their Concacaf Gold Cup squad against the Black Stars at the NRG Stadium in the United States.

Ghana looked bubblier in the early exchanges with Majeed Waris prevented from scoring twice by goalkeeper Moisés Muñoz.

Mexico gradually settled in and got Rodolfo Pizarro causing problems for the African giants. He had the chance of handing the El Tri an early lead after he was set through by Angel Sepulveda in the 10th minute but failed to utilize it.

Ghana looked dominant after but were undone by a penalty after the half-hour mark. Centre-back John Boye brought down Jesús Gallardo in the Ghana area, leaving referee Baldomero Toledo with no other choice than pointing straight to the spot.

Winger Elías Hernández stepped up and calmly sent goalkeeper Richard Ofori the wrong way on 32 minutes.

Mexico were forced into an early substitution in the 37th minute with goalkeeper Muñoz who came off worse in a head collision with John Boye having to make way for Jesús Corona.

The second half was dominated by plenty substitutions but the Black Stars looked more threatening after skipper Asamoah Gyan was introduced – however, tried as coach Kwasi Appiah’s men did, they failed to draw parity.

Ghana remain in the United States but will move to Connecticut where they face the USMNT in another friendly on July 1.

Lineups:

Mexico: Moisés Muñoz/37’ Jesús Corona – Luis Rodríguez, Hugo Ayala, Jesús Molina, Erick Gutiérrez/59’ Orbelín Pineda, Elías Hernández/72’ Raúl López, Hedgardo Marín, Rodolfo Pizarro/89’ Jair Pereira, Jesús Gallardo, Ángel Sepúlveda/65’ Martín Barragán, Jesús Dueñas/79’ Jorge Hernández

Ghana: Richard Ofori, – Harrison Afful/59’ Jerry Akaminko, Lumor Agbenyenu, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye/54’ Rashid Sumalia – Ebenezer Ofori, Isaac Sackey/54’ Mohammed Abu, Thomas Agyepong/59’ David Accam, Frank Acheampong – Raphael Dwamena/84’ Asamoah Gyan, Abdul Majeed Waris