South Korea Edges Ghana 1-0 in Final 2025 Friendly as Black Stars Climb FIFA Rankings
South Korea squeezed out a 1-0 win over Ghana in their final international friendly of 2025, with defender Lee Tae-Seok heading home the only goal in the 63rd minute at an undisclosed Asian venue on Tuesday, November 18. The match, part of the 2025 Kirin CupAsia, ended a turbulent year for Ghana’s Black Stars — yet somehow, they emerged with something unexpected: a rise in the FIFA Rankings.
How a Single Header Changed the Narrative
It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t dominant. But it was enough. Lee Tae-Seok, wearing number 13 for South Korea, rose above Ghana’s defense in the 63rd minute to convert a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Max TV Ghana’s commentary captured the moment bluntly: "Ghana’s right back got caught napping... and Benjamin Assari could do nothing about that late ball hit him in the face." The goal wasn’t flashy — no dazzling dribble, no long-range strike — just a moment of defensive lapse and clinical finishing. South Korea’s Korea Republic national team had controlled possession for stretches but struggled to break down Ghana’s stubborn backline until that single, decisive play.Ghana’s Quiet Resilience
While the scoreboard told one story, the deeper narrative belonged to Benjamin Assari. The Ghanaian goalkeeper, who started in net despite limited public data on his full lineup, was the standout performer. Max TV Ghana’s analyst called him "the man to hold the helm at the back," praising his growth despite "mishaps for his club side." Assari made three crucial saves in the first half, including a point-blank stop from Son Heung-Min’s curling effort. He was beaten only once — and even then, it was a header off a set piece that caught his defense off guard. His calm under pressure, especially in the final 20 minutes when South Korea piled on pressure, was the only reason Ghana didn’t lose by more.The FIFA Ranking Paradox
Here’s the twist: Ghana lost to Japan 2-1 last week. They lost again to South Korea. Yet, on November 19, Citisports Online reported the Black Stars had climbed in the FIFA Rankings. How? Because FIFA’s algorithm rewards consistency, competitive matches, and regional strength. Ghana had played three tough games against top-30 nations in three weeks — Japan, South Korea, and before that, a hard-fought draw with Senegal. Even losses to higher-ranked teams earn points. Their ranking jump — though not publicly detailed — signals a quiet resurgence. They’re not just surviving; they’re building.
South Korea’s Final Test Before 2026
For South Korea, this was the last tune-up before their 2026 World Cup qualifiers begin next spring. Their lineup read like a who’s who of K-League and European stars: Son Heung-Min (Tottenham), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), and Kim Min-Jae (Bayern Munich) all featured. But the match exposed cracks. They created 14 shots — only three on target. Their midfield lacked rhythm. And the defense looked shaky on counters. Lee Tae-Seok’s goal was the difference — but not the full story. "They got away with one," said the Max TV Ghana commentator. And he wasn’t wrong.What’s Next for the Black Stars?
Ghana’s coach, still unnamed publicly as of mid-November, made it clear: "It’s the AFCON we should be targeting." The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in June 2026 in Morocco. Ghana hasn’t won it since 2015, but their squad is younger, faster, and more cohesive than in recent cycles. Assari’s confidence, the emergence of midfielders like Thomas Partey’s understudy, and a renewed defensive structure give them real hope. "Realistically, this is a tournament we can win," said the commentator. "We can’t win the World Cup." That honesty is refreshing. They’re not dreaming of global glory — they’re building toward continental dominance.
South Korea’s Road to Qatar 2026
South Korea’s next challenge? A brutal World Cup qualifying group with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Their friendly win over Ghana might have boosted morale, but it didn’t fix deeper issues. Their aging backline needs reinforcements. Their center-back pairing — Kim Min-Jae and Lee Tae-Seok — is solid, but they’re not young. And without consistent creativity from the wings, they’ll struggle against physically stronger Asian opponents. The 90+3 minute shot by Eom Ji-Sung — rattling the post off a Hwang Hee-Chan assist — was a warning: they’re close, but not quite there.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ghana’s FIFA ranking rise despite losing to South Korea and Japan?
FIFA’s ranking system rewards teams for playing high-level opponents, even in defeat. Ghana’s losses to Japan and South Korea — both top-30 teams — earned them more points than wins against lower-ranked sides. Their recent fixtures included a draw with Senegal and tight matches against two of Asia’s strongest teams, signaling improved competitiveness. This consistency, not wins alone, lifted their ranking.
Who scored the winning goal, and how did it happen?
Defender Lee Tae-Seok scored the only goal in the 63rd minute with a header from a right-wing cross. Ghana’s right-back was caught out of position, and goalkeeper Benjamin Assari couldn’t reach the ball despite getting a hand to it. The goal was the result of a set-piece movement, not individual brilliance — a reminder that sometimes, defensive errors decide tight matches.
Was Benjamin Assari the best player on the pitch?
By most accounts, yes. Despite limited public stats, Ghanaian commentators and match analysts singled out Assari for his composure, three key saves in the first half, and calm distribution under pressure. He was beaten only once, and even then, the goal was a result of a defensive lapse, not a mistake by him. His performances have steadily improved since his debut, making him Ghana’s most reliable asset heading into AFCON 2026.
What does this result mean for South Korea’s World Cup chances?
It’s a minor confidence boost, but not a sign of readiness. South Korea’s attack lacked precision, their midfield was disjointed, and their defense looked vulnerable to quick transitions. With Iran and Saudi Arabia looming in qualifiers, they need more than a 1-0 win over Ghana. The emergence of Lee Tae-Seok as a goal threat from defense is promising, but their creative options — Son Heung-Min and Lee Kang-in — need better support.
Is Ghana a serious contender for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations?
Absolutely. With a rising goalkeeper in Assari, a core of Premier League and Ligue 1 players, and a disciplined defensive shape, Ghana has the ingredients to go deep. They’ve lost to elite teams by narrow margins — a sign they’re closing the gap. Their last AFCON final appearance was in 2015. This squad, with better cohesion and mental toughness, could break that drought. The real test? Handling pressure in knockout stages — something they’ve struggled with in recent years.
Why was this match part of the Kirin Cup?
The 2025 Kirin Cup is a Japanese-sponsored international tournament traditionally featuring Asian teams, often used as preparation for World Cup qualifiers. South Korea hosted this edition as a friendly, inviting Ghana as a guest to gain exposure to Asian football styles. While not an official AFC competition, it’s a respected warm-up, especially for teams preparing for continental tournaments like AFCON or World Cup qualifiers.
