The Black Stars lost 0-1 to their Namibian counterparts in a pre- AFCON friendly match played at the Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence in Dubai on Sunday evening.
Manfred Starke scored the only goal of the game around the half hour mark after Lawrence Ati Zigi’s failed attempt to parry the ball ended in his own net.
Ghana enjoyed lots of possession in the first half but failed to convert any of the chances that came their way.
The Namibians remained resilient and managed to hold back Ghana’s attack led by Jordan Ayew and Majid Waris.
Coach Kwesi Appiah brought in fresh legs in the second half having Felix Annan in post, Hearts of Oak’s Mohammed Alhassan partnering Kasim Nuhu in defence with Andy Yiadom and Lumor Agbenyenu at the right and left flanks respectively.
Mubarak Wakaso and Ebenezer Ofori were all introduced into the game in the second half, with Thomas Agyepong and Samuel Owusu on the flanks.
U-23 forward Kwabena Owusu and Caleb Ekuban formed the attacking duo for the second half but failed to break through the Namibian defence.
Ghana’s best opportunity to restore parity came minutes into the second half when Kwabena Owusu was brought down in the penalty box but Mubarak Wakaso’s spot kick hit the post.
Namibia’s goalkeeper again saved his side from conceding on the 70th minute mark when he parried Kwadwo Asamoah’s shot over the post.
All efforts to score eluded the Black Stars despite all the chances that came their way with the game ending in favour of the Namibians.
The Black Stars will now turned attention to their next Pre-tournament friendly against South Africa on Saturday before wrapping up preparations for the AFCON.
The senior national team is expected to arrive in Egypt on June 20, five days before they play their opening Group match against Benin.
Source:Ghanafa
