HOUSTON – Mexico scored the only goal in the first half to earn a 1-0 win over Ghana in a pre-CONCACAF Gold Cup friendly on Wednesday before 37,617 fans at NRG Stadium.

With the result, the Mexicans improved to 3W-0D-0L all-time against its African opponent, which will face the United States on July 1 in East Hartford, Connecticut.

Elias Hernandez converted a penalty kick in the 32nd minute, after Jesus Gallardo was tripped in the left side of the box by John Boye.

Mexico goalkeeper Moises Muñoz made a trio of key first-half saves.  He denied Majeed Abdul Waris in the first and 18th minutes, coming off his line on the initial effort and then making a diving stop at the left post for the second.  

In the 36th minute, the Puebla custodian dove once again to thwart Raphael Dwamena’s left-footed effort from outside the box, before being replaced by Jesus Corona shortly afterwards due to an apparent injury.

Frank Acheampong had an opportunity to level in the 78th minute, only for his attempt to crash the woodwork.

The Mexican squad at the FIFA Confederations Cup will face World Cup champion Germany in the semifinals Thursday, while the Gold Cup side returns to action July 1 against Paraguay in Seattle, Washington, USA.

International Friendly
June 28, 2017: NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas, USA (Att: 37,617)
Mexico-Ghana 1-0 (1-0)
Elias Hernandez 32’ pen

Mexico: Moises Muñoz (Jesús Corona 36’); Luis Rodríguez, Hugo Ayala, Jesus Molina, Erick Gutierrez (Orbelin Pineda 59’), Elias Hernandez (Raul Lopez 72’), Hedgardo Marin, Rodolfo Pizarro (Jair Pereira 89’), Jesus Gallardo, Angel Sepulveda (Martin Barragan 65’), Jesus Dueñas (Jorge Hernandez 79’). Head Coach: Luis Pompilio Paez.

Ghana: Richard Ofori; Thomas Agyepong (David Accam 59’), Jonathan Mensah, Ebenezer Ofori, Raphael Dwamena (Asamoah Gyan 84’), Isaac Sackey (Mohammed Abu 54’), Lumor Agbenyenu, Majeed Abdul Waris, John Boye (Rashid Sumalia 54’), Frank Acheampong, Harrison Afful (Jerry Akaminko 59’). Head Coach: James Kwesi Appiah

R: Baldomero Toledo (USA); AR1: Apolinar Mariscal (USA); AR2: Eduardo Mariscal (USA); 4th: Edvin Jurisevic (USA)