Mexico have beaten Ghana’s Black Stars 1-0 in their international friendly on Wednesday as part of both nations prepare for the World Cup Finals in June.

Guillermo Franco’s late header rescued Ricardo la Volpe’s ‘El Tri’ to beat Ghana 1-0 in their friendly warm-up match played in Texas.

Bolton Wanderer’s striker, Jared Borgetti had not a hint of the form that has seen him break the all-time goalscoring record for El Tri, and the team lacked any sparkle.

Ghana had the same problem, with the Mexico defence holding off the occassional Ghana attacks, and El Tri goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez barely had a shot to save.

Mexico struggled to break down an experienced and well organised Ghanaian defence until Mexico coach, Ricardo La Volpe, decided to make some changes in the second half.

The match then became a story of substitutes, as Argentine-born Franco, replaced Chivas striker Omar Bravo in the 63rd minute, and headed the winner 12 minutes later from a ball from another substitute, Luis Alonso Sandoval, who delivered a perfect cross for Franco to head the ball home.

Ghana, who are currently without a head coach after the dismissal of Stephen Keshi last month after the Black Stars’ dreadful African Cup of Nations exploits, couldn’t find a way to bring the scores level, and the game finished 1-0 to Mexico.

“I am very happy for various reasons,” said Franco, who won his fifth cap with the national team, and scored his second goal.

“Because I was able to play and felt very good, because I was able to score the goal that was the prize for the entire team’s effort and because it was a victory for Mexico. There are many reasons to celebrate.”

Mexico have been drawn in Group D at the World Cup Finals with Angola, Iran and Portugal.

Ghana were drawn in Group E alongside Italy, the United States and the Czech Republic.

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