Wales goalkeeper hails Ghana quality despite Wales' frustration in Cardiff draw

Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow has praised Ghana as a "very good side" after the Black Stars held his team to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night.

The match served as an important test for both nations, with Ghana continuing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while Wales looked to maintain their impressive form under head coach Craig Bellamy.

Despite needing a stoppage-time equaliser from Lewis Koumas to avoid defeat, Darlow felt Wales had done enough to secure victory against the four-time African champions.

"I think we probably deserved the win to be honest with you," Darlow told BBC Match of the Day after the game.

"With the way that we played first half, we dominated possession and created a lot of chances so I think if we would have gone one or two goals up in the first half it could have been a comfortable result."

Wales controlled large periods of the opening half, but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced several important saves to keep the hosts at bay.

The Black Stars improved significantly after the break and took the lead in the 66th minute through Caleb Yirenkyi, who scored his first goal for the senior national team after reacting quickest to Ernest Nuamah's effort that rebounded off the post.

Darlow felt the goal was unfortunate from a Welsh perspective.

"It was unfortunate for the goal, it just deflected off Joe Rodon and hit the post and it's gone in. So it was unfortunate and on another day we keep a clean sheet, but it's just not to be tonight."

Although disappointed not to win, the goalkeeper was pleased with the overall performance of the Welsh side and acknowledged the quality of the opposition.

"I think we can all be pleased as a group for what we've done tonight. It's not easy when we have to play a friendly game when we'd rather be at the World Cup."

Darlow reserved special praise for Ghana, who will compete at the World Cup later this month.

"We played a side who are going to the World Cup and they're a very good side."

His comments underline the respect Wales have for the Black Stars, whose second-half display showcased the quality that earned them qualification for the global showpiece.

While Wales salvaged a draw through Koumas' late header, Ghana left Cardiff with plenty of positives ahead of their Group L opener against Panama.