Wales were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Ghana in Cardiff after Lewis Koumas struck deep into added time to cancel out the visitors’ lead. The friendly encounter formed part of Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup and marked the first match under new head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Despite the absence of any major competitive stakes, Craig Bellamy’s side approached the contest with energy and intent. Wales dominated possession throughout much of the opening period and repeatedly threatened the Ghana goal.
Daniel James was at the centre of the hosts’ attacking play. The winger first saw a header pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi before rattling the crossbar with a powerful half-volley. Both opportunities were created by David Brooks as Wales pressed for an early breakthrough.
Ghana struggle before the interval
The visitors found it difficult to gain a foothold in the match as Wales dictated the tempo and limited their opponents’ opportunities. Ghana spent long stretches chasing the ball and struggled to create meaningful attacks.
Their best opening before half-time came from a mistake by Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow, whose misplaced pass gifted possession to Jordan Ayew. However, Darlow recovered quickly and prevented the forward from capitalising.
Although that moment briefly lifted the travelling supporters, Wales remained the more dangerous side and looked the likelier team to score as the match progressed.
Visitors strike against the run of play
The pattern of the game continued after the restart, with Wales still controlling large portions of possession. Yet their inability to convert chances eventually proved costly.
Ghana broke forward on a counter-attack and almost took the lead through Ernest Nuamah, whose effort forced Darlow into action. The rebound then struck the post before falling kindly for substitute Caleb Yirenkyi.
The midfielder reacted quickest and converted from close range, giving Ghana the advantage after an hour and putting Queiroz’s side on course for a victory in his first match in charge.
A late response earns Wales a draw
A defeat would have been difficult for Wales to accept given their superiority for much of the evening, and they continued searching for an equaliser as time ran down.
Their persistence was rewarded in the third minute of stoppage time. Neco Williams delivered an inviting cross from the right flank, and Koumas met it with a diving header that beat Ati-Zigi.
The goal was the forward’s first for his country and ensured Wales avoided a third consecutive defeat. While Bellamy’s team extended their winless run, they at least ended the evening with a result that reflected their overall display.
For Ghana, the late concession denied them a victory but ended a sequence of five straight losses. The draw could still provide a welcome lift ahead of a World Cup campaign that will see them face England, Croatia, and Panama in the group stage.