Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance after the Black Stars were held to a draw by Wales in an international friendly at Cardiff City Stadium on Monday.
Although Ghana were denied victory by a late Welsh equaliser, Queiroz said he was pleased with the way his players followed his tactical instructions throughout the match.
The Black Stars endured a difficult opening period and were forced to rely heavily on goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who produced three important saves to keep the visitors in contention. Ghana also survived a scare when midfielder Thomas Partey escaped a second yellow card during the first half.
However, the African side returned from the break with renewed attacking intent and looked far more threatening after the interval.
As Ghana pushed more players forward in search of a breakthrough, their efforts were rewarded in the 66th minute when substitute Caleb Yirenkyi scored to give the Black Stars the lead.
The goal appeared to have put Ghana on course for victory, but Wales struck back in added time. Koumas found space inside the penalty area and headed home an equaliser to ensure the match ended level.
Despite seeing his side surrender the lead late on, Queiroz focused on the positives from the encounter and praised the attitude of his players.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, the Ghana coach highlighted the team’s commitment to implementing his plans on the pitch.
“What really pleased me is the way the players listened to my instruction; my game plan; they were very respectful,” Queiroz said.
The coach suggested that continued adherence to his tactical approach could help the team improve further when they compete at the World Cup.
The friendly formed part of Ghana’s preparations for the global tournament, where the Black Stars will be aiming to make a strong impression in a challenging group.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L and will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on 17 June in Canada. The Black Stars will then take on England and Croatia in the United States of America as they seek to progress beyond the group stage.
While the result in Cardiff denied Ghana a winning end to their preparations, Queiroz appeared encouraged by what he saw from his players, particularly their willingness to follow instructions and respond positively after a difficult first half.
The performance offered signs of improvement ahead of the World Cup, with Ghana showing greater attacking ambition after the break and coming within moments of securing victory against their European opponents.
With the tournament now approaching, Queiroz will hope the lessons learned from the draw against Wales can help his side build momentum before their opening match against Panama.
