Craig Bellamy praised both the performance and the growing depth of his Cymru squad after Lewis Koumas’ late equaliser earned a deserved 1-1 draw against Ghana in Cardiff.
In the Football Association of Wales’ 150th anniversary fixture, Cymru produced an encouraging display against FIFA World Cup-bound opposition and were rewarded in the closing stages when Koumas marked his senior international debut with a first Cymru goal.
Bellamy pleased with overall performance
Bellamy was particularly pleased with the overall performance and the contribution of several younger players who were given opportunities throughout the evening.
“I like us. I’m biased, of course, but I thought moments in the first half we were really top,” said Bellamy when asked if he was happy with what he saw.
“As much as we want to win, we need to make sure we’ve got players coming through. We need to build a squad.
“I was really happy with the players who came on. How they fitted in and understood what was asked of them was brilliant. So, yeah, I’m definitely happy.”
Despite creating a host of opportunities, Bellamy felt Cymru became too comfortable after their impressive start. “I thought it got too easy for us,” he explained.
“We were completely controlling the tempo, but by everyone wanting a touch we lost that aggressiveness in our runs. We needed to get that back.
“There were some really positive moments though, and I have to be happy with them.”
Ampadu reveals manager’s half-time message
Captain Ethan Ampadu echoed his manager’s assessment, believing Cymru demonstrated they could compete with one of the teams preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
“We had to put everything aside and make sure we finished the season strongly,” said Ampadu. “We knew we were facing a team that’s going to the World Cup and a team with a lot of quality.
“We wanted to put in a performance Wales could be proud of. Wearing the 150th anniversary kit and representing the history that came before us, that was important. We wanted to do that justice and get the win.”
Ampadu also revealed Bellamy’s half-time message centred around continued improvement and trust in the team’s processes.
“The message was to keep raising our levels, keep improving individually and collectively, and keep pushing the team forward,” he explained.
“We’ve worked on these things all week and over the last two years. It was about being calm on the ball, being patient and trusting our processes. I think we showed that at times during the game.”
Praise for Lewis Koumas
The evening’s defining moment came when Koumas converted Nico Williams’ superb cross to rescue a draw, and both Bellamy and Ampadu were delighted to see the young forward rewarded.
“We had a lot of opportunities and probably needed to be more clinical,” said Bellamy.
“But if you watch Lewis, the way he pressed, changed the tempo and grew into the game, he deserved that goal.
“His work rate alone warranted it and we all know he has a lot of ability. I’m delighted for him.”
Ampadu added: “It’s a very proud moment for him and his family, and I’m confident it’ll be one of many. We see his quality every day in training and we see the quality he produces week in, week out.”
Dan James believes Cymru deserved the draw
Dan James also felt Cymru deserved their reward after controlling large spells of the contest. “I think we fought well tonight,” said James.
“We ended up getting the goal at the end and I think it was deserved. A draw was probably the right result.
“I thought we were the better team in the first half and controlled the game for long periods.
“We were really good and I think we showed everyone what we’re capable of.”
James was equally encouraged by the impact made by the younger members of the squad, including goalscorer Koumas and debutant Cam Congreve. “We finished the game with a completely different team and everyone who came on was brilliant,” he said.
“Lewis getting his first goal was fantastic and Cam made a really positive debut. It shows the trust the manager has in these young players and how important they are for the future.”
Bellamy believes growing competition for places may prove to be one of the biggest positives to emerge from the evening.
“The squad keeps adding and keeps getting stronger, and it has to,” he said.
“We have a responsibility to keep the squad healthy and keep bringing players through.
“There were players who came in tonight who have been on the fringes and haven’t quite had their opportunity.
“I’m coming away from the game thinking: ‘Yeah, they can challenge.'”
For a Cymru side continuing to evolve under Bellamy, the result against Ghana may ultimately be remembered less for the scoreline and more for the evidence that the next generation is ready to contribute as the squad builds towards the challenges ahead.
