Ghana national football team endured a heavy defeat to Austria national football team in their international friendly on Friday evening.
The Black Stars were beaten 5-1 at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.
Head coach Otto Addo made several changes to his starting lineup, handing the nod to Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal. The defensive line featured Caleb Yirenkyi, Alexander Djiku, Jonas Adjetey and Derrick Köhn.
In midfield, Kwasi Sibo partnered Thomas Partey, while Jordan Ayew, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo and Prince Adu Kwabena led the attack.
Ghana national football team made a bright start to the game, showing early composure and fluid passing, but their momentum was disrupted after Austria were awarded a penalty.
A header from Kevin Danso struck the hand of Jonas Adjetey, prompting the referee to point to the spot without hesitation. Marcel Sabitzer stepped up and calmly converted to give the hosts the lead.
Despite going behind, Ghana responded positively and enjoyed spells of good play, although they lacked sharpness in the final third.
Prince Adu Kwabena managed to get in behind the Austrian defence on a few occasions but was unable to truly test the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo came close to equalising, only to see his close-range effort sail over the crossbar.
In the 40th minute, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, making his return in goal for the Ghana national football team, produced a fine save to prevent Austria from extending their lead.
The hosts went into the break with a slender advantage, but wasted little time after the restart. Just six minutes into the second half, Michael Gregoritsch doubled Austria’s lead, tapping home from a precise square pass by Marcel Sabitzer.
Seven minutes later, Stefan Posch made it three, arriving unmarked at the back post to finish comfortably.
Ghana pushed for a response, with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku coming close after a brilliant solo run, but his effort went off target.
Debutants Patric Pfeiffer and Marvin Senaya were introduced in the 69th minute, marking their first appearances for the Black Stars.
Jordan Ayew pulled one back for Ghana in the 76th minute with a superb finish, assisted by substitute Ibrahim Sulemana.
However, Austria quickly restored their three-goal cushion, with Carney Chukwuemeka finding the net, again set up by Sabitzer.
Kamaldeen Sulemana also came close to scoring but narrowly missed the target.
Ralf Rangnick’s side sealed the emphatic victory with a late goal in stoppage time, ending the match 5-1.
The fixture forms part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
