Black Stars suffer late heartbreak in Wales friendly
By Maxwell Kumoye
World Cup-bound Ghana were denied a morale-boosting victory on Tuesday after conceding a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw against hosts Wales in an international friendly.
The result extended the Black Stars' winless run to six matches and raised fresh concerns ahead of their departure for the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States later this month.
Ghana appeared on course for victory after substitute Caleb Yirenkyi put the visitors ahead in the 66th minute.
The midfielder reacted quickest to a rebound after the ball struck the upright following a powerful solo run from Ernest Nuamah that split open the Welsh defence.
It was one of Ghana's few attacking moments in a match largely controlled by Wales, who dominated possession and created the better scoring opportunities but struggled to convert their chances.
The hosts came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when Dan James saw his close-range header brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi. Moments later, James was denied again as his effort rattled the crossbar.
Wales continued to push forward in search of an equaliser and were finally rewarded deep into stoppage time. Lewis Koumas rose highest to meet a cross and powered a diving header past Ati-Zigi in the third minute of added time, rescuing a deserved draw for the home side.
Despite the late disappointment, Ghana will take some positives from a resilient defensive display as they turn their focus to the World Cup.
The Black Stars begins their Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17, with hopes of making a strong impression on football's biggest stage.
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