Mexico make Ghana pay the penalty
A 32nd-minute penalty from Elias Hernandez was enough to steer Mexico to a 1-0 victory over a misfiring Ghana in the first of two friendlies by the Ghanaians who next play the USA on Saturday.
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While the Black Stars managed to outshoot Mexico 19-8 last Wednesday night at NRG Stadium in Houston, they were left to rue many missed chances against Mexico's two veteran goalkeepers, Moises Munoz and Jesus Corona, who each came up with a number of key saves to preserve the shutout.
Ghana centre-back Jerry Akaminko fights for the ball with Jorge Hernandez of Mexico
Not even a minute had elapsed when Ghana had the first of many chances. Abdul Majeed Waris got in on goal with only Munoz to beat, but the Mexican shot-stopper stood tall to prevent an early lead.
Referee Baldomero Toledo issues a yellow card to bemused Ghana midfielder, Frank Acheampong
Black Stars’ Ebenezer Ofori outmuscles Mexico’s Rodolfo Pizarro during a challenge for the ball
The chances came for both teams. Mexico threatened in the 10th minute when a Rodolfo Pizarro shot was deflected wide; Waris then had another look at goal with a header, but Munoz parried the shot to safety.
Isaac Sackey of Ghana controls the ball away from his Mexican marker
The rhythm of the half was to Ghana's favour, but a surging run from Jesus Gallardo into the Ghana area in the 31st minute shifted the momentum, as the Pumas winger was brought down by John Boye.
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Ghana and Mexico fans pose outside the NRG Stadium ahead of th
Referee Baldomero Toledo did not hesitate to point to the spot, with Elias Hernandez calmly stroking in a right-footer past Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori for a 1-0 Mexico lead.
