Ghana defeated 2-0 by Mexico in World Cup warm-up as Asare error gifts hosts early lead

Ghana were beaten 2-0 by Mexico in a pre-World Cup friendly held in Puebla on Friday night, conceding goals in each half.

Stand-in coach Desmond Ofei, overseeing proceedings with Carlos Queiroz absent, utilised the match to assess fringe players and provide valuable minutes to those vying for World Cup selection.

While the result proved disappointing, the primary focus remained on squad evaluation ahead of the June 1 announcement, with every participant at Estadio Cuauhtemoc given an opportunity to impress.

The Black Stars' evening began disastrously when goalkeeper Benjamin Asare's errant pass fell straight to Brian Gutierrez within two minutes of kickoff.

The Chicago Fire midfielder seized the opportunity, controlling neatly before bending a precise finish into the net to establish Mexico's advantage.

Credit to Ghana, they responded positively to the early setback. Gradually finding their rhythm, the visitors demonstrated improved composure and attacking intent as the half progressed.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi came closest for Ghana, his powerful strike rattling the crossbar in the most threatening moment for the African side.

Mexico maintained control throughout, extinguishing any hopes of a Ghana comeback when Guillermo Martinez doubled their lead nine minutes after the interval.

Finding space in the penalty area, Martinez dispatched his shot expertly beyond Asare to secure the victory.

Ofei deployed a 4-4-2 system featuring Asare in goal, protected by Jan Kwasi Gyamerah, Nathaniel Adjei, Oscar Oppong and Terry Yegbe. The midfield comprised Emmanuel Agyei, captain Majeed Ashimeru, Ibrahim Osman and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, with Daniel Agyei and Felix Afena-Gyan leading the attack.

Following Mexico's second goal, Ofei made triple substitutions, introducing Prince Amoako, Jerry Afriyie and Razak Simpson for Rak-Sakyi, Daniel Agyei and Afena-Gyan.

Further changes saw Ashimeru, Osman, Emmanuel Agyei and Asare replaced by Abdul Aziz Issah, Joseph Opoku, Salim Adams and Solomon Agbasi as Ghana sought fresh impetus.

The alterations improved Ghana's performance in the closing stages, though Mexico comfortably saw out the match without serious alarm.

GFA president Kurt Okraku confirmed the World Cup squad would be unveiled on June 1, declaring the Mexico fixture's objectives achieved.

"Mission accomplished. This match provided crucial experience for our U-23 players preparing for Olympic qualifiers, plus others needing game time," Okraku stated.

Attention now turns to Ghana's final warm-up against Wales in Cardiff on June 2, before their World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on June 17.