Mexico 1 Ghana 0

Another match, another loss in what is turning out to be an extremely disappointing 2006. Playing in front of a home crowd, Mexico scored the deciding goal in the 75th minute on a header from substitute and injured attacker Franco. Ghana, predictably, was absent any semblance of attack for much of the evening.

As to who was in attendance, Matthew Amoah appeared, but was no factor in the outcome. Essien and Muntari started and by all accounts, the midfield, even sans captain Stephen Appiah, performed well. Missing starting keeper Sammy Adjei proved the difference though, since backup George Owu was not strong enough, in the end, to overcome the Black Stars typically shaky back line.

On the Doya-watch- all signs pointed to the GFA being satisfied with the outcome, which while disappointing, was not as embarrassing as the Zimbabwe fiasco. The Stars again fielded a rag-tag lineup with four new call ups, three players returning from injury, and two key sportsmen missing. Even the Mexicans noted that the Stars performance was intense and intelligent. Perhaps Doya will last until Germany after all?