Match Report: Ghana 0 – 3 Mali

Black Stars of Ghana suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat to Mali in an international friendly in Turkey on Friday evening under new coach CK Akonnor.

Two early goals from either side of the half and a 75th minute curler saw the Black Stars crushed in the match played in the Turkish city of Antalya.

Despite starting several debutantes in the match to give the chance to some new faces and young players, the Black Stars also used experienced players in Andre and Jordan Ayew as well as Thomas Partey but were dominated by the Malians.

Captain Hamari Troare opened the scoring after just three minutes, and assisted youngster El Bilal Toure with a beautiful cross. Amadou Haidara completed the demolishing with quarter of an hour left to play.

The Malians boosted by the early lead, controlled the opening exchanges, but momentarily Ghana had two quick chances which they failed to take. The first from Andre Ayew whose interchange of passes with junior brother Jordan Ayew was cut out, few minutes later the Crystal Palace attacker nearly connected a Partey cross from the right.

Ghana coach CK Akonnor brought on teenager Kamaldeen Sulemana to replace Eugene Ansah, who picked a knock and immediately after the break, Bernard Mensah was also replaced by Emmanuel Lomotey.

Hamari and El Bilal worked their magic again just three minutes after the break to double the lead for Mali. A brilliant cross from the captain was strongly nodded Reims forward.

The Black Stars looked overwhelmed after the second goal as CK Akonnor made a couple of changes to seize control, but the Malians took advantage of Ghana’s lack of sharpness to add a third.

A defense splitting pass found Amadou Haidara, whose first strike hit the post before he curled in from a tight angle to beat Ati Zigi.

Ghana will next play Qatar on Monday in their second friendly of the international break.

By: Mohammed Bushran/@Bushran233