Otto Addo has called Ghana's performance against Germany in Stuttgart an improved and encouraging display.
The Black Stars were ultimately undone by a late Deniz Undav goal that handed the hosts a 2-1 victory at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
Three days after being hammered 5-1 by Austria in Vienna, their heaviest defeat in 19 years, Ghana regrouped, dug deep, and showed far more resilience against one of Europe's finest sides before being cruelly denied a share of the spoils in the closing stages.
Compared to the humiliation of Vienna, the performance felt like a significant and genuine step forward.
From Vienna to Stuttgart
The 5-1 defeat to Austria last Friday had sent shockwaves through Ghanaian football. Ralf Rangnick's side had been clinical and relentless, punishing every defensive lapse as Ghana capitulated in the second half.
Questions were raised about the squad's organisation, defensive structure, and readiness for a World Cup that is now less than three months away.
Addo's response was to demand more as he switched to a 3-4-3 formation in Stuttgart on Monday evening.
Ghana were competitive throughout, matched Germany for long spells, and looked on course for a creditable draw before Undav's late intervention broke Ghanaian hearts.
The Germany Game
Ghana and Germany played out an absorbing contest with the Black Stars showing significantly more defensive resolve than they had against Austria.
Germany only took the lead through Kai Havertz's penalty right on the stroke of half-time. Julian Nagelsmann side had wasted good opportunities earlier but deservedly went into the break with a narrow lead.
Ghana started the second half strong and stayed in the game until a wonderful finish from second half substitute Fatawu Issahaku converted after a cut back from Derrick Kohn sending the travelling supporters into a total frenzy.
Only for Germany to level before Undav struck late to snatch the win for the hosts. It was a gut-punch ending to what had been, for the most part, an improved Ghana performance.
Otto Addo: "We Improved a Lot"
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Addo was measured but clearly encouraged by what he had seen from his players.
"We have improved a lot if we compare this game to the game against Austria," he said. "We learned a lot and for us it's always good to get these kinds of experiences. Even though we lost, we are taking everything with us. For us, it was very, very good to face this kind of quality."
With these friendlies expected to provide valuable lessons to Addo before selecting his World Cup squad, the two games provided a chance for the former Dortmund trainer to understand his team better.
Adjetey's Handball Nightmare
The one persistent cloud hanging over Ghana's international break has been Jonas Adjetey. The Wolfsburg Berlin conceded penalties in both matches, against Austria and Germany, with both being awarded for handball.
It is a troubling pattern that Addo addressed directly, and with a hint of dry humour, at his post-match press conference.
"It's difficult, a little bit unlucky for him. He needs to learn to run without his arms, to move without his arms. This is the only solution, and I hope that it will never happen again.
"I'm happy that it happened in the friendly matches, and hopefully it won't happen in the World Cup," he added.
The back-to-back handball penalties will be a genuine concern heading into the tournament, where the margins are far thinner and the consequences far greater. Adjetey will need to address the issue urgently, and Addo's public comments suggest the coaching staff are already working on it.
Watching closely before the Big Decision
Beyond the results and individual errors, Addo used the international window as a vital opportunity to assess his options ahead of naming his final World Cup squad.
Ghana's 26-man group for the tournament is expected to be announced in late May, giving the coach two more months of observation, including the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Wales.
"We have two months more to watch them closely, to watch them live, how they play, and at the end we'll hopefully take the right decision with the 26-man squad," Addo said.
"But right now, I can't really say who will be there. So it's still a long way to go."
The four uncapped players handed debut call-ups this month - Derrick Luckassen, Patrick Pfeiffer, Marvin Senaya, and Daniel Agyei, will all have given Addo much to consider.
For some, the window may have strengthened their World Cup case. For others, it may have opened up more questions than answers.
What Comes Next
Ghana's preparation does not stop here. The Black Stars face Mexico on May 22 before a final pre-tournament friendly against Wales on June 2.
These games will offer two more opportunities for Addo to sharpen his squad, settle on his preferred system, and finalise the 26 players he believes can make an impact on the global stage.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama for the World Cup.
