Ghana labored to a 1-0 win over Nicaragua in their second Pre World Cup friendly at Estadio Estadio Francisco Artés Carrasco in Lorca – Spain. Winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku who made his 13th appearance for the Black Stars scored the only goal of the match in the 35th minute of the encounter.
The winger received the ball on the right, made space for himself, and fired a curler that deflected into the roof of the net to give Ghana the lead.
Otto Addo made eight changes to the team that lost 3-0 loss to Brazil in France last Friday with Mohammed Salisu, Inaki Williams and Osman Bukari getting to start in place Alexander Djiku, Felix Afena Gyan and Kamal Deen Sulemama.
Richard Ofori was preferred in goalposts posts as Alidu Seidu and Gideon Mensah played in the full back positions.
Ghana dominated the entire first half of the match as Osman Bukari came through with Ghana’s first attempt inside the 18th minute after being put through by Gideon Mensah but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Douglas Forvis.
Mohammed Kudus had an opportunity to put Ghana ahead but his effort went wide.
Ghana finally got the breakthrough in the 35th minute through youngster Abdul Fatawu Issahaku who scored his first senior goal.
Issahaku’s powerful curled shot from inside the box took a slight deflection to beat Forvis in goal for Nicaragua.
Kudus found the back of the net nine minutes after restart but it didn’t count as it was ruled for offside.
Kudus had only the goalkeeper to beat to increase the tally for Ghana but failed to put the ball into the twine as Forvis made a great save with feet.
Substitute Antoine Semenyo nearly got his name on score sheet as he fired from close range but once again Forvis was on hand to make a save.
The Black piled more pressure in search of goals but Nicaragua defended gallantly to stop Ghana as the game 1-0 in favour of the Black Stars.
Ghana will play Switzerland in another preparatory game on November 17, seven days before their opening game at the World Cup against Portugal.
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