Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup began on a sobering note on Friday evening, as the Black Stars were thrashed 5-1 by Austria in an international friendly in Vienna.
The four-time African champions were guests at the Ernst Happel Stadion for the first of two scheduled friendlies this month, but endured a difficult outing against a well-drilled Austrian side.
Head coach Otto Addo named a largely experimental starting XI, handing a return to goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, while Caleb Yirenki, Jonas Adjetey, Alexander Djiku and Derick Arthur Kohn formed the backline.
Thomas Partey partnered Kwasi Sibo in midfield, with Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku supporting striker Prince Adu Kwabena.
Ghana showed early promise but struggled to maintain control as Austria, under Ralf Rangnick, gradually asserted dominance. The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when a handball by Adjetey resulted in a penalty, calmly dispatched by Marcel Sabitzer.
The early setback disrupted Ghana’s rhythm, although Prince Adu Kwabena came close to restoring parity with two quick chances before the half-hour mark. Austria nearly doubled their lead before the break, but Ati Zigi produced a fine save to keep the deficit at one.
The hosts resumed with greater intensity after the interval and extended their lead six minutes into the second half, with Michael Gregoritsch finishing off a move orchestrated by Sabitzer. Moments later, Stefan Posch added a third from a set piece, underlining Austria’s control.
Addo responded with a raft of substitutions in the 70th minute, introducing fresh legs, including Gideon Mensah and Ibrahim Sulemana. The changes briefly lifted Ghana, and Ayew pulled one back in the 77th minute to offer a glimmer of hope.
However, Austria quickly extinguished any thoughts of a comeback as Carney Chukwuemeka restored their three-goal cushion just two minutes later. Nicolas Seiwald then compounded Ghana’s misery with a fifth goal deep into stoppage time.
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