Ghana made a losing start to CK Akonnor’s era as Mali ran out 3-0 winners in a friendly on Friday evening.

The match which was played at the Emir Sports complex in Antalya, Turkey was Akonnor’s first game in charge since his appointment as head coach in January.

The Eagles exposed frailties in the Black Stars defence early on when Gideon Mensah’s slow reactions allowed Hamari Traore get in behind to give his side a 3rd minute lead.

There was little for the new gaffer to enjoy in a largely one-sided first 45 minutes which ended with Ghana barely registering a shot on target.

Neither of Akonnor’s debutants impressed but it was a particularly tough night for Ironi Kiryat Shmona forward Eugene Ansah, who was chopped off before half-time.

Mali got their second goal few minutes after the restart through El Bilal Toure before Haidara Amadou capped off the victory with a brilliant finish from a tight angle in the 75th minute.

Although the Black Stars were missing some key players in Richard Ofori, Mohammed Kudus, John Antwi, and Lumor Agbenyenu who all pulled out of the squad due to injury, it was an inexcusable and uninspiring performance from the team.

The former Hearts and Kotoko manager will be hoping for a much better performance on Monday when they face Qatar in their second and final friendly scheduled for this international break.