Mexico Ease Past Ghana in International Friendly Ahead of World Cup
Mexico recorded a 2-0 victory over Ghana in an international friendly at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc as both sides continued preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Goals from Brian Gutierrez and Guillermo MartÃnez Ayala handed El Tri the win in a match that served as an important test ahead of the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Mexico fielded a strong squad dominated by home-based players against a youthful Black Stars side made up largely of locally based talents and U-23 players.
The hosts made a bright start and took the lead early in the encounter after Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare committed an error that allowed Brian Gutierrez to capitalize and open the scoring.
Despite the early setback, the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper recovered well and produced several important saves to keep Ghana in the game. Asare made at least three impressive stops afterward to redeem himself and deny the Mexicans from extending their advantage before halftime.
Mexico controlled much of the first half and deservedly headed into the break with a 1-0 lead.
The Black Stars responded strongly after the restart and nearly found an equaliser when Sakyi struck the post twice during Ghana’s best spell of the game.
However, the hosts regained control and doubled their lead in the 54th minute through Guillermo MartÃnez Ayala, who finished calmly to put the game beyond Ghana’s reach.
The match also provided an opportunity for several Ghanaian players to make their national team debuts. Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbesi earned his first appearance after replacing Benjamin Asare in the second half.
Other debutants included Prince Amoako, Rak Sakyi Addo, and Medeama SC trio Salim Adams, Joseph Opoku, and Daniel Oduro.
Ghana will now turn attention to their final preparatory match against Wales before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.