News Focus
- Lewis Koumas scores his maiden international goal to secure a 1-1 draw for Wales
- Caleb Yirenkyi puts Ghana ahead in the 66th minute against the run of play
- The fixture marks the 150th anniversary of the Football Association of Wales
- Wales halt their poor June record with a dramatic late equaliser
- Ghana use the friendly to prepare for their 2026 World Cup group stage clash with England
Lewis Koumas announced himself on the international stage with a late header to earn Wales a 1-1 draw against Ghana. The substitute struck deep into added time to cancel out Caleb Yirenkyi’s second-half opener for the Black Stars.
The match held special significance as the Football Association of Wales celebrated its 150th year. The hosts wore a special retro red and white kit to honour the occasion at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Wales entered the fixture looking to improve their dismal record in June matches. The Dragons had suffered defeat in seven of their previous eleven games during this month.
Manager Craig Bellamy fielded his strongest available side despite missing the injured duo Ben Davies and Harry Wilson. The Welsh side dominated the opening hour and created several clear chances.
Daniel James came closest to breaking the deadlock before the interval. The Leeds United winger struck the woodwork twice, first with a header that forced a fine save from Ghana keeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and later with a fierce drive that rattled the crossbar.
Ghana grew into the contest after the break and took the lead against the run of play. Yirenkyi reacted quickest to a rebound off the upright in the 66th minute, slotting home from close range to delight the travelling supporters.
Koumas had entered the pitch on the hour mark and proved the decisive figure. The young forward, who recently secured promotion to the Premier League with Hull City, nodded home a Neco Williams cross in the third minute of stoppage time.
The result provides valuable preparation for Ghana ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The African side will face England in their group stage opener on June 23.
Thomas Tuchel’s men may take confidence from Wales’ dominance for long periods. Ghana appeared to conserve energy for the tournament, leaving key attacker Antoine Semenyo on the bench throughout the contest.