The Black Stars of Ghana suffered a 3-0 defeat in the hands of reigning African champions Algeria in an international friendly ahead of next week’s African Cup of Nations.
The four-time African champions faced the tournament favourites at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 ahead of the 2021 AFCON to be held in Cameroon.
Coach Milovan Rajevac’s side went down as early as the 8th minute when Adam Ounas dummied left back, Gideon Mensah to slot the ball past goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen into the post of the Black Stars.
The Algerians held on to a slim 1-0 lead into the first half break.
Back from recess, Ghana came close in equalizing after youngster Abdul Fatawu Issahaku tested Algeria goalkeeper, Rais M’Bolhi, with a cut in strike but that was parried for a corner kick.
The Black Stars were dealt a blow on the 74th minute when Jonathan Mensah scored an own goal to extend the lead for the Desert Foxes.
Algeria increased their tally to 3-0 when Islam Slimani tapped in Saïd Benrahma’s low cross after goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi failed to deal with the situation on the 78th minute.
The result means the African champions run away with the 3-0 win ahead of the start of the 2021 AFCON which starts on January 9 and extending their unbeaten record to 34 matches in all competitions.
