Wales secured a 1-1 friendly draw against Ghana at home, with Lewis Koumas scoring a late equaliser. The match, held at a sparsely populated Cardiff City Stadium, saw Ghana, under new coach Carlos Queiroz, denied a winning start as they prepare for the World Cup.
During the first half, Wales controlled play, with Daniel James hitting both the post and crossbar in quick succession. Despite their early dominance, the home side could not convert their chances.
After an hour of play, Ghana broke the deadlock. Substitute Caleb Yirenkyi scored from a rebound, giving his team the lead and rewarding their travelling supporters. This goal marked a significant moment for Ghana as they look to build confidence ahead of their World Cup campaign.
Wales eventually found their equaliser in the third minute of added time. Neco Williams delivered a cross from the right, which Koumas met with a stooping header. This goal was Koumas’s first international goal for Wales, coming in his 11th cap for the team.
Koumas entered the match as a substitute for the final half-hour. His 93rd-minute header ensured Wales avoided a defeat, making the score 1-1 in Cardiff. The 20-year-old forward spent time on loan at Hull City, where he scored three goals.
For Wales, this draw extends their winless streak to three games, following their failure to qualify for the World Cup after a loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina at the same venue in March. Despite the lack of a victory, the team’s performance did include positive moments.
For Ghana, the draw, while disappointing after holding a winning position, represents a timely confidence boost. It breaks a sequence of five successive losses. Ghana is set to compete in a World Cup group alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
Earlier on the same day, Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili played the entire match for Georgia in their 1-1 draw with Romania in Tbilisi.
