The Black Stars of Ghana were handed a rude awakening by the reigning African champions Algeria in a friendly game on Wednesday at the Education City stadium in Doha – Qatar.

It did not take long before the Algerians displayed their real intent as on the eight minute Adams Ounas scored the opener after turning left back Gideon Mensah inside out and catching debutant Manaf Nurudeen off guard at his near post but the KAS Eupen goalkeeper should have done better.

The first half ended with Ghana trailing the Algerians by a lone goal despite some half chances created by Samuel Owusu and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.

Ghana made some changes to the line up with the introduction of Joseph Paintsil, Maxwell Abey Quaye, Iddrisu Baba, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and David Abagna and Benjamin Tetteh

The changes remarkable improved the Black Stars team as Joseph Paintsil caused Youcef Atal all sort of problems and should have been awarded a penalty kick after he was felled in the box but the referee waved away the appeals and instead awarded a corner kick.

Joseph Paintsil was a thorn in the flesh of the Algerian defence with his direct running, trickery and pace.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku sent a dipping left footed shot goal-wards but was tipped wide by Algeria goalkeeper Raiz M'bohli.

Algeria also made some changes and capitalized on the sloppy Gideon Mensah whose side the Algerians used in scoring all their three goals.

Youcef Atal drove into the Ghana box from the left flank and crossed with many bodies in the Ghana box, Jonathan Mensah turned the ball home into his own net as a clearance with his left foot would have sufficed to make it 2-0.

Islam Slimani who came on in the second half also had his share of the goals as he turned home another cross from Youcef Atal from the right flank to make it 3-0.

Algeria showed why they are the African champions and also recently won the the FIFA Arab Cup as they continued their 39 match unbeaten streak.

From the evidence of play Ghana would have to up their game especially in defence and attack if they want to make it five AFCON titles in Cameroon.

The Black Stars will depart Doha-Qatar for Cameroon on 7th January,2022 before taking on Morocco in their opening game on Monday 10th January,2022.