Mexico’s Bafana Preparation Handed Major Blow

Mexico's international friendly against Ghana will not give the co-hosts the test they were hoping for ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener against South Africa.

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Mexico will host the Black Stars in Puebla on Friday, 22 May, in a game that was meant to be a dress rehearsal for El Tri's first World Cup game against South Africa.

Javier Aguirre's men chose the West African nation due to their similarities to Bafana Bafana, but the preparations have hit a snag after Ghana's squad for the game was revealed.

According to Vanguardia, several European-based stars, including Man City's Antoine Semenyo, Athletic Bilbao's Inaki Williams and Villarreal star Thomas Partey, will be absent from the game.

🚨 22 players are currently in camp as the team prepares for Friday’s international friendly against Mexico.🇲🇽🆚🇬🇭

🔗: https://t.co/nn1j6jafIF#BlackStars pic.twitter.com/lr2GsMoppU

The 22-man squad is made up of young players, namely U-23 stars, and players based in the local league, with Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz using the chance to work with a strong, physical team.

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Despite Ghana not bringing their stars, it will still serve as a good test for Aguirre's side as they will be familiar with African opponents and a chance to work on intensity, transitions and physicality.