Koumas late strike denies Ghana win in final pre-tournament test

Wales youngster Lewis Koumas rescued a draw in Newport, leaving Carlos Queiroz and Ghana searching for defensive stability ahead of their World Cup opener in Toronto.

Ghana frustrated by late Welsh equalizer in Newport

As the Black Stars prepare to cross the Atlantic for their 2026 World Cup campaign, a familiar sense of defensive vulnerability resurfaced in South Wales. A last-gasp header from Lewis Koumas forced a -1-1 stalemate, extending Ghana's winless streak to six matches just as they prepare for their Group L commitments.

New manager Carlos Queiroz, overseeing his first fixture at the helm, opted for caution regarding his star personnel. Antoine Semenyo, the Manchester City standout, remained an unused substitute. Having recently arrived at the training camp in his former loan city of Newport, the forward was preserved to ensure his fitness for the upcoming clash against Panama in Toronto.

Defensive concerns persist for Queiroz

While the objective was to build momentum before traveling to their Washington training base, the result leaves the technical staff with significant questions. Ghana’s backline failed to maintain concentration during second-half injury time, allowing Koumas to capitalize and cancel out the Black Stars' lead. This inability to close out matches has become a recurring theme since the nation secured their qualification last October.

Queiroz now faces a race against time to instill tactical discipline. With a high-stakes encounter against England looming in the group stages, the Ghanaian defense must find a way to shore up their structure. The absence of a victory in their recent friendly schedule may weigh on the squad's confidence as they transition to North American soil.

Looking ahead to Toronto and beyond

The squad is scheduled to depart for the United States on Wednesday to finalize their preparations. The focus remains squarely on their June opener against Panama, where the margin for error will be nonexistent. While resting Semenyo was a logical move to protect a vital asset, the lack of a winning result in Newport suggests that Ghana's path to the knockout rounds will require a significant elevation in performance levels.

Source: The Guardian Football

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