Ghana suffered a heavy defeat against Austria in their friendly game played on Friday evening.
The Black Stars were handed a 5-1 loss by their opponents at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.
Otto Addo made ball calls to the starting lineup starting Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal. Caleb Yirenkyi, Alexander Djiku, Jonas Adjetey and Derrick Kohn were in defense.
Kwasi Sibo started alongside Thomas Partey in the middle of the park while Jordan Ayew, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo and Prince Adu Kwabena were trusted with attacking duties.
The Black Stars enjoyed a good start to the game, putting strings together but their momentum was distorted after the Austrians were awarded a penalty.
A header from Kevin Danso came off the hand of Jonas Adjei Adjetey a the referee didn’t hesitate to blow for a spot kick which was successfully converted by Marcel Sabitzer.
Ghana, despite conceding the goal, played better from there but lacked the urgency in the final third of the pitch.
Prince Kwabena Adu beat the Austrian defense on a couple of occasions but couldn’t threaten the goalkeeper.
Antoine Semenyo came close to leveling the score but his shot from close range was high above the crossbar.
In the 40th minute, however, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, returning in goal for the Black Stars, pulled off a very good save to deny Austria from doubling their lead.
Austria went into the break with the lone goal.
However, that lead was doubled just six minutes into second half with Michael Gregoritsch tapping into the net from Sabitzer’s square pass.
Seven minutes later, Posch grabbed the third for the home side after being left unmarked at the back post.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku came close to reducing the deficit after bursting on a solo run and beating two men but he blasted his effort off target.
Patric Pfeiffer and Marvin Senaya were both introduced into the game in the 69th minute for their Black Stars debut.
Jordan Ayew reduced the deficit for Ghana with a brilliant goal in the 76th minute with an assist from substitute Ibrahim Sulemana.
Austria restored their three-goal lead lead immediately through Carney Chukwuemeka with Sabitzer getting another assist.
Kamaldeen Sulemana had an opportunity to also get onto the scoresheet but missed the post by inches.
Ralf Rangnick’s side wrapped up the victory in additional time to finish the game 5-1.
The game forms part of Ghana’s buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be played in Mexico, Canada and USA.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com