Locally-based players in the Black Stars squad were handed valuable minutes during Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in Friday’s pre-World Cup friendly at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla as they continued their push to impress ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The game offered the locally-based stars another major opportunity to impress head coach Carlos Queiroz and his assistants ahead of the final squad announcement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Benjamin Asare started in goal for Ghana and produced some decent moments despite committing a clanger before making way for his Hearts of Oak teammate Solomon Agbasi in the 76th minute.
Razak Simpson was introduced in the 66th minute to replace debutant Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, with the Nations FC captain putting in another composed display at the back.
Salim Adams also came on in the 76th minute in place of Emmanuel Agyei and looked lively after his introduction. The Medeama SC midfielder registered two efforts on goal, including a direct free kick which was comfortably saved by Mexican goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo.
Late in the game, Heart of Lions captain Ebenezer Abban and Dreams FC defender Ebenezer Adade also made cameo appearances after replacing Oscar Naasei Oppong and Jan Gyamerah respectively.
The Black Stars will now continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with another international friendly against Wales before travelling for the tournament.
Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 in Group L.
