Yirenkyi Nets Maiden Ghana Goal but Late Wales Strike Denies Queiroz Winning Debut
Caleb Yirenkyi marked a memorable milestone with his first senior international goal, but Ghana were denied victory in dramatic fashion after Wales snatched a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The friendly encounter served as Carlos Queiroz’s first match in charge of the Black Stars and offered the Ghana coach an opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The hosts made the brighter start and threatened on several occasions during the opening exchanges. Lawrence Ati-Zigi was called into action early, producing a series of important saves to prevent Wales from taking the lead.
After weathering the initial pressure, Ghana gradually settled into the contest and began to impose themselves, particularly after the interval. The Black Stars looked increasingly dangerous going forward, with Ernest Nuamah emerging as a constant threat on the wing.
The breakthrough eventually arrived midway through the second half and involved two of Ghana’s rising stars.
Nuamah embarked on a lively run before seeing his effort rebound off the post. Yirenkyi reacted quickest inside the penalty area, tapping home from close range to register his first goal for the Black Stars and put Ghana in front.
Nuamah continued to torment the Welsh defence with his pace, movement and direct approach, producing what was arguably the standout individual display of the evening.
However, Ghana’s hopes of securing the win were shattered in stoppage time. Wales launched one final attack and found a route back into the game when Lewis Koumas rose to meet a cross from Neco Williams, heading beyond Ati-Zigi to level the scores.
While the late concession denied the Black Stars a morale-boosting triumph, the performance offered several encouraging signs ahead of the World Cup. The displays of Yirenkyi and Nuamah, in particular, will provide Queiroz with plenty of optimism as preparations continue.
Ghana will now shift their attention to the tournament itself, where they are scheduled to begin their Group L campaign against Panama on June 17 before taking on England and Croatia in their remaining group-stage fixtures.
