Cymru 1-1 Ghana
- Lewis Koumas comes off the bench to score dramatic first goal for Cymru
- Cameron Congreve makes his debut
- Cymru frustrate World Cup bound Ghana
Lewis Koumas scored his first senior Cymru goal in dramatic fashion as Craig Bellamy’s side earned a deserved 1-1 draw against FIFA World Cup finalists Ghana at Cardiff City Stadium.
In a fixture marking the Football Association of Wales’ 150th anniversary, Cymru produced an encouraging performance against a talented Ghana side preparing for this summer’s World Cup, demonstrating both quality and character throughout the contest. It was also a memorable evening for Swansea City midfielder Cameron Congreve, who made his senior Cymru debut when he was introduced in the second half.
Bellamy’s team started brightly and could have been ahead inside the opening 15 minutes. Dan James was a constant threat and twice came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. First, Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced a remarkable save to claw away his powerful header before the Leeds United winger struck the crossbar moments later following another flowing Cymru move.
Cymru continued to control large spells of possession and created the better openings during the first half, while Karl Darlow remained alert when called upon to keep the scores level.
Ghana improved after the interval and took the lead on 66 minutes. Darlow made an excellent initial save from Prince Kwabena Adu, but substitute Caleb Yirenkyi reacted quickest to convert at the second attempt after his first effort struck the post.
The visitors, who will compete on football’s biggest stage later this year, looked set to leave Cardiff with victory, but Cymru refused to relent.
Their persistence was rewarded deep into stoppage time when Neco Williams delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area and Koumas dived bravely to head beyond the goalkeeper.
The dramatic equaliser ensured Cymru finished the evening unbeaten and provided another positive step in Bellamy’s preparations for the UEFA Nations League campaign ahead.
Next up for Cymru is a friendly in Bucharest against Romania on Saturday, 6 June.
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