Na serious wahala for Ghana Black Stars as dem collect heavy 5-1 defeat from Austria for international friendly match wey dem play for Ernst-Happel-Stadion for Vienna on Friday. The match wey be part of World Cup preparation for both teams show say Austria dey ready well-well for 2026 tournament.
Marcel Sabitzer start the scoring for Austria from penalty spot for 12th minute after defender Jonas Adjetey handle ball inside area. The goal come against run of play as Ghana dey control possession early for the match. Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz make important save to deny Antoine Semenyo before half-time wey end with 1-0 scoreline.
Second half turn to proper disaster for Ghana as Michael Gregoritsch score second goal for Austria for 51st minute after Sabitzer assist am. Stefan Posch then add third goal for 69th minute as Ghana defense collapse completely. Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew manage pull one goal back for 77th minute to give small hope, but Austria respond immediately.
The big talking point of the match na Carney Chukwuemeka wey score on him senior international debut for Austria. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder wey fit play for England, France or Nigeria come enter match for 61st minute and score beautiful goal for 79th minute to make am 4-1. Chukwuemeka exchange pass with Sabitzer before finishing high into net roof.
Nicolas Seiwald then complete the humiliation with fifth goal for 92nd minute with 25-yard curler wey beat Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi. The final whistle blow with Austria dominate statistics – dem get 58% possession, 18 shots with 10 on target compared to Ghana 8 shots with 3 on target.
Ghana coach Otto Addo talk after match say: “We learn hard lesson today. Our defense make too many mistakes and we no convert our chances. Austria dey clinical and dem show us areas wey we need work before World Cup.” Austria coach Ralf Rangnick praise him team performance and especially Chukwuemeka debut contribution.
The match statistics show say Chukwuemeka get joint-most touches inside box for Austria players (four) despite coming from bench. Him complete 10 of 11 passes and score with him only shot wey get expected goals value of 0.4. Sabitzer end match with one goal and two assists for man of the match performance.
For Ghana side, Thomas Partey try control midfield but him efforts no enough to stop Austria dominance. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Prince Adu create some chances but finishing poor. The defense partnership of Alexander Djiku and Jonas Adjetey struggle throughout against Austria attacking movement.
This heavy defeat come as big blow to Ghana World Cup preparation as dem dey in Group F with Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay for 2026 tournament. Black Stars now go face Germany for another friendly match for Monday as dem try correct this poor performance. Austria dey in Group D with France, Denmark and Saudi Arabia.
Other international friendlies wey play for Friday include Egypt 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia without injured Mohamed Salah. Nigeria beat Iran 2-1 for Turkiye while South Africa draw 1-1 with Panama. All these matches dey part of final preparation for 2026 FIFA World Cup wey go hold for United States, Canada and Mexico.
Football analysts say Ghana performance raise serious questions about team readiness for World Cup. The defensive organization poor and attacking play lack cutting edge. Austria on other hand show dem fit compete with top teams with this impressive display under Rangnick tactical system.
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