L-R: Marvin Senaya, Jerome Opoku, Caleb Yirenkyi and Ernest Nuamah
The Black Stars were denied victory in Carlos Queiroz's first game in charge after Lewis Koumas scored deep into stoppage time to earn Wales a 1-1 draw at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Ghana on Tuesday, June 2, secured their first point in a friendly or competitive game for the first time since November 2025.
Despite the disappointing result against Wales, several Black Stars players earned praise from Ghanaians for their impressive performances at the Cardiff City Stadium.
While many Ghanaians voiced their disappointment on social media after the draw, several fans singled out the players featured in this article for praise due to their impressive displays against Wales.
Lawrence Ati Zigi:The goalkeeper staged a claim for the number one spot ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after delivering a 7.2 ratings performance in 45 minutes.
Marvin Senaya:The 25-year-old Auxerre defender settled any doubts about his inclusion in the final squad and has been endorsed by Ghanaians for the right back position for the World Cup.
Jerome Opoku & Jonas Adjetey:With both Mohammed Salisu and Alexander Djiku ruled out through injury and unavailable for the final squad, Opoku and Adjetey stepped up impressively at the heart of Ghana's defence.
The pair delivered a composed and assured performance that helped calm the nerves of many Ghanaians ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showing resilience, discipline, and strong defensive understanding throughout the match.
Despite conceding in the final moments of the game, the duo produced a solid performance to remind the technical handlers that they are ready for the task ahead.
Ernest Nuamah & Caleb Yirenkyi:The two substitutes brought power and energy into the game in the second half and combined to get the opening goal for Ghana in the 66th minute.
Nuamah, whose inclusion in the squad attracted criticism from some quarters, silenced his doubters with an impressive performance against Wales.
Many had questioned his call-up after a lengthy injury layoff and limited game time, having made fewer than five appearances in the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season. However, the winger justified the coach's faith in him with a lively and impactful display.
Marvin Senaya was so close to giving Ghana the Lead
โ Kay๐ง (@Kaypoisson1) June 2, 2026
Fantastic save by the Wales Goalie
What a volley
Senaya has been one of Ghanaโs best players tonight pic.twitter.com/BC1yEyjSdG https://t.co/1UJoHoZZvU
๐ฌ๐ญ Marvin Senaya vs Wales.
โ Joseph Ayinga-Walter (@AyingaWalter) June 3, 2026
His stock is rising rapidly, and if he maintains this level of performance at the World Cup, his reputation will only continue to grow.
A debut to remember. pic.twitter.com/q1aRETUDb7
Just look at how Marvin Senaya, by inverting in this sequence, helps Fatawu Issahaku become a spare man on the touchline with space. Great switch from Jerome Opoku as well. pic.twitter.com/FXHqaOJrZN
โ Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) June 3, 2026
๐ฌ๐ญ Marvin Senaya vs Wales.
Ghana has a gem at right-back for years to come. pic.twitter.com/Vgdmtt7AnR
โ Penty Dzidzor (@penty_dzidzor) June 3, 2026
Ati Zigi with another brilliant save for Ghana against Wales๐งค๐ฌ๐ญ https://t.co/bB8Bbqxc2z pic.twitter.com/IsntBTLBpS
โ w.Bing๐ฆ (@_am_Bing) June 2, 2026
Nbs oo.. Ati Zigi want secure the #1 position https://t.co/8zNZIeaB2a pic.twitter.com/Ep6GkyZo58
โ Kwadwo Sheldon (@kwadwosheldon) June 2, 2026
This Ati Zigi save de3, Courtois dey learn work oo pic.twitter.com/YMGb66RcVK
โ Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) June 2, 2026
Lawrence Ati Zigi denying Wales. pic.twitter.com/miuqxIeyjK
โ Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) June 2, 2026
Attah Zigi be some new keeper for blackstars??? GTV go k!ll we๐ญ pic.twitter.com/qa1aTV5GBL
โ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ (@_Gyeabour) June 2, 2026
All the best. You are as good as every player in the world. Go make us proud ๐ฌ๐ญ
โ iamphaya (@iamphaya) June 3, 2026
@JeromeOpoku3 been praised by @donsummerone after a wonderful and outstanding performance against Wales ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ. @nancybrewgh more to come. #WalesGhana #Fifaworldcup #BlackStar #Ghana #istanbul #football pic.twitter.com/LgKCBEJXb4
โ Yasin Bature CR7โค๏ธ ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ๐ฌ๐ญ (@Yasin_bature85) June 2, 2026
Just look at how Marvin Senaya, by inverting in this sequence, helps Fatawu Issahaku become a spare man on the touchline with space. Great switch from Jerome Opoku as well. pic.twitter.com/FXHqaOJrZN
โ Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) June 3, 2026
๐ฌ๐ญ Jerome Opoku all actions vs Wales - World Cup 2026 preparation pic.twitter.com/SkMxaU02pG
โ GHANA COMPS ๐ฌ๐ญ (@Ghanacomps) June 3, 2026
โHistory for Teshie! Jonas Adjetey becomes the second player from Teshie to represent Ghana at the FIFA World Cup, proudly carrying the hopes and dreams of his community onto footballโs biggest stage. Congratulations, Jonas!โ
โ Shakurdehyper (@PappyShakur) June 2, 2026
Teshie is representing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup . pic.twitter.com/BLoCxy0Uvn
Jonas Adjetey made mistakes in his first two Black Stars matches and we criticized him for it. He answered with a performance that proved he deserves the call-up. That display for Ghana yesterday is what we expect, and more pic.twitter.com/ZspYNngRw6
โ Kuame Oliver (@KuameOli) June 3, 2026
๐ฌ๐ญ Jonas Adjetey vs Wales - World Cup 2026 preparation.
โ Agogo (@CyrusAgogo) June 3, 2026
9 Clearances,2 blocks 100% aerial duel won@Ghanacomps pic.twitter.com/9UwG2hsNzL
๐ฌ๐ญ Jonas Adjetey vs Wales
โ Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) June 2, 2026
I think Ghanaians were too harsh on him after the last international break.
He played well tonight, and I hope he continues to improve in the team.
๐ฅ @Ghanacomps pic.twitter.com/RmJTY8bRtN
After England national team find out that Ghana is coming with Ernest nuamah๐ค pic.twitter.com/zR83ut16XJ
โ Snapshot Delite (@Snapshot_Delite) June 2, 2026
Ernest Nuamah โก๏ธ Caleb Yirenkyi โฝ๏ธ
โ Right to Dream (@right2dream) June 2, 2026
From one graduate to another. ๐ค๐ฌ๐ญ#BeforeTheWorldWatched pic.twitter.com/BsZPBEtLLo
Take a look at the press that led to Caleb Yirenkyi first goal for Ghana ๐ฌ๐ญ against Wales.
โ w.Bing๐ฆ (@_am_Bing) June 2, 2026
Ernest Nuamahโs work rate๐
Pray for England ๐ https://t.co/4s7CdSXxtn pic.twitter.com/7tshwRMKs9
๐ฌ๐ญ With Mohammed Kudus missing the World Cup, Ernest Nuamah becomes even more important for Ghana. His movement on the flank, ability to stretch defences, and attacking threat highlight why he is a crucial part of the Black Stars setup. pic.twitter.com/qXqlfNoinl
โ Joseph Ayinga-Walter (@AyingaWalter) June 2, 2026
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