Ghana won 2-0 over Switzerland in the first senior meeting between the two countries on Thursday morning thanks to debut goals from Mohammed Salisu and Antoine Semenyo.
The match at Zayed Sports Complex in Abu Dhabi served as a final warm-up for both sides as they ready themselves for the 2022 Fifa World Cup finals in Qatar.
The Swiss had the better chances in the early exchanges of the game but Ghana looked impressive at the back and whenever they ventured forward.
One of their forays saw Hearts of Oak forward Daniel Afriyie Barnieh clipped in the penalty area but the centre referee waved play on.
Mohammed Salisu broke the deadlock with a header from close range into the top right corner following a corner on the 70th-minute mark. Watch goal.
In fact, the Southampton centre-back’s debut international goal could have come a bit earlier in the first half when he raced to connect to a set piece from Jordan Ayew in the 43rd minute, but his shot from the left side of the six-yard box was just a bit too high.
Ghana made a number of changes in the 61st minute introducing Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Kamal Sowah, Antoine Semenyo and Kamaldeen Sulemana for Elisha Owusu, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams.
And two of coach Otto Addo’s fresh legs combined to double the lead.
Kamaldeen Sulemana made use of his speed after Antoine Semenyo snatched possession in the middle and set him up. However, the Stade Rennais winger’s final effort on goal came off goalkeeper Yann Sommer. However, Semenyo arrived in time to finish the rebound with his left foot in the 74th minute. Watch goal.
Ghana’s final substitutions saw Mohammed Salisu making way for Celta Vigo’s Joseph Aidoo while Alidu Seidu also came on for Tariq Lamptey.
The Black Stars could have extended the lead further but were denied by some terrific saves from Sommer in the final minutes.
The 2-0 win is expected to boost the confidence of Ghana – who rested star players Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus – for their opening game of the 2022 World Cup against Portugal which is exactly a week away. They play at Stadium 974 on Thursday, November 24.
