Wales scored deep into stoppage time to hold Ghana to a 1-1 draw at Cardiff City Stadium on June 2, 2026, in an international friendly that doubled as Carlos Queiroz's first match in charge of the Black Stars. Caleb Yirenkyi put Ghana ahead in the second half, reacting fastest to a rebound, before Lewis Koumas guided a header into the corner in the 93rd minute to level the score. The result ended a four-match losing run for Ghana but denied Queiroz the winning start he had set as a benchmark heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Yirenkyi puts Ghana ahead
Ghana edged the second half in territory, and Caleb Yirenkyi finally broke the deadlock by reacting fastest to a rebound inside the box. The goal looked set to deliver a clean opening result under the new head coach.
Koumas heads in 93rd-minute equaliser
Wales kept pressing and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Lewis Koumas met a delivery into the box and guided a header into the far corner. The 93rd-minute strike denied Ghana the win.
Queiroz's first game in charge
The fixture marked Carlos Queiroz's first match leading the Black Stars after his appointment ahead of the World Cup. The result was a draw on his bench debut, against a Wales side using the window to test combinations of its own.
Ending the losing run
Ghana arrived at Cardiff on a four-match losing streak — the longest in the team's recent history. The 1-1 draw stops that bleed, but the late nature of the equaliser leaves squad confidence finely balanced.
Next steps before the World Cup
Both squads now return to their clubs before reconvening for the final pre-World Cup camps. Queiroz is expected to use the remaining window to settle a defensive shape and confirm the starting forward partnership.
Mentioned in this story
Took charge of his first match leading the Black Stars at Cardiff City Stadium on June 2, 2026.
Scored Ghana's second-half opener against Wales.
Headed in the 93rd-minute equaliser at Cardiff City Stadium.
Hosted the international friendly that ended 1-1.
Both squads used the friendly as final pre-tournament preparation.