The Black Stars of Ghana slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Mali in an international friendly Friday evening.
Coach CK Akonnor’s first game since his appointment in January saw the Stars produce a lacklustre performance in Turkey.
Hamari Traore’s 3rd-minute strike began the thumping.
The Mali skipper picked up a poor play from the Ghana defence and smashed a brilliant effort past Lawrence Ati Zigi.
The Black Stars struggled to settle in the game due to the organised defensive play of Mali.
In midfield, Arsenal new boy Thomas Partey and Bernard Mensah efforts were poor if it was to help the Stars to gain control in the encounter.
Honestly, Ghana were hugely disappointing to watch and hardly even created enough chances to keep Mali goalkeeper Djugui Diarra busy.
When Akonnor pulled out debutant Eugene Ansah for Kamaldeen Suleman, most Ghanaian fans knew something was certainly not right for the Stars.
Ansah had earlier been touted by his gaffer to be a tormentor in attack, but the Hapoel Shmona forward’s debut is one he might never forget.
He was absolutely poor like the whole team.
Undoubtedly, the Eagles felt proud enough for their game as they headed to the tunnel at half time.
Just as it happened in the first half, Ghana conceded early again.
El Bilal Toure headed in a delightful cross from Harari Traore to give his side a better lead.
The Malian defence continued its super duties against Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey.
Not even the introduction of Emmanuel Lomotey and Joseph Aidoo could improve the play against the Eagles set-up.
The Malians then added a third through Amadou Haidara to end Ghana’s abysmal display on the night.
Ghana will play 2022 Fifa World Cup hosts Qatar in a second friendly on Monday, October 12. Kickoff is at 15:30 GMT.
