Jordan Ayew's strike not enough as Austria dominates second half to beat Ghana in Vienna

Despite a second-half goal from Jordan Ayew, Austria delivered a commanding second half performance, scoring four goals to secure a 5-1 victory over Ghana in an international friendly on Friday.

The match, played at the Ernst Happel Stadium, saw both teams battle evenly in the first half, with Ghana managing to keep the score tight. Hok that Ghana's defense ultimately However, the home side came alive after the break, unleashing a relentless attack that Ghana's defense ultimately couldn't withstand.

Otto Addo’s starting eleven featured Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal, protected by a backline of Caleb Yirenkyi, Derrick Kohn, Alexander Djiku, and Jonas Adjetey. Thomas Partey and Kwasi Sibo partnered in midfield, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Antoine Semenyo operated on the wings. Captain Jordan Ayew and Prince Kwabena Adu led the attack.

Austria took the lead when Marcel Sabitzer converted a penalty after the referee awarded a foul against Jonas Adjetey in the box. The hosts maintained their advantage, going into halftime with a narrow 1-0 lead. After the restart, Michael Gregoritsch added to Austria's tally before Stefan Posch netted the third. Ghana captain Jordan Ayew managed to pull one back in the 77th minute, offering a flicker of hope for the Black Stars, but his effort was short-lived.

Carney Chukwuemeka then delivered an absolute stunner, making it 4-1. Kamal Deen Sulemana and Christopher Bonsu Baah were introduced to inject more attacking impetus into the Black Stars' play, but the hosts powered in a late strike from Nicolas Seiwald to seal the contest.

Second-half appearances from Gideon Mensah, Elisha Owusu, Patric Pfeiffer, Ransford Yeboah Konigsdorffer, and Ibrahim Sulemana didn't significantly alter the match's trajectory, as Austria held on to clinch the convincing win.

The Black Stars are now set to face Germany in Stuttgart on Monday, March 30, 2026.

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