The Black Stars of Ghana suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss in the hands of AFCON defending champions, Algeria in an International friendly game on Wednesday at the Education City stadium in Doha.
A first-half goal from Adam Ounas, a Jonathan Mensah own goal and an Islam Slimani effort ensured victory for the North Africans in a final preparatory game towards the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Coach Milovan Rajevac named a starting line up without Captain Andre Ayew, Crystal Palace star Jordan Ayew and Reading FC duo Baba Abdul Rahman and Andrew Kyere Yiadom.
Arsenal stalwart Thomas Partey led the team with the likes of Jonathan Mensah, Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey and Gideon Mensah playing in defence.
Edmund Addo sat in front of the backline with Samuel Owusu and Joseph Painstil playing on the wings as Abdul Fatawu Issahaku operated behind Richmond Boakye Yiadom in attack.
Goalkeeper Nurudeen Manaf who was making his debut failed to keep out a low shot from Adam Ounas in the 8th minute for the opener. The Algerian winger rounded up two players in the box before smashing home from close range.
The Black Stars then took control of the game especially in midfield where Edmund Addo and Thomas Partey operated but had nothing to show on the score sheet as the first half came to a close with Algeria going into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Milovan Rajevac made two changes before the start of the second half by bringing on Baba Idrissu and Benjamin Tetteh for Edmund Addo and Samuel Owusu.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku tried his luck from the edge of the box in the 48th minute – in search of the equalizer but his shot went wide. Baba Idrissu brought stability to the midfield as Ghana keep possession and pressed hard for the leveller. Benjamin Tetteh had a good chance to score in the 60th minute but his ball was saved by Algeria goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi.
Lawrence Ati Zigi and Maxwell Abbey Quaye were brought on for Nurudeen Manaf and Richmond Boakye Yiadom as Ghana continued to push for the equalizer. Jonathan Mensah scored an own goal in the 74th minute in an attempt to clear a goal mouth melee which beat Lawrence Ati Zigi.
Former Leicester City forward Islam Slamini who came on Baghdad Bounedjah poked home the third goal after Lawrence Ato failed to deal with Ismael Bennacer’s cross.
Algeria were in full in command as they held on to win 3-0 at the Education City stadium in Al Rayyan – Qatar.
Ghana will open her AFCON campaign against Morocco on Monday, January 10, 2022 before taking on Gabon and Comoros in Group C.
The Black stars first won the continental showpiece football event on their maiden attempt, at home in 1963. They added three more titles in 1965, 1978 and 1982, and have reached the final three times after, losing on all occasions.
