Baba played the full game at left-back for the Black Stars as they defeated Ethiopia 1-0 in Cape Coast. Mubarak Wakaso netted the only goal with a superb long-range strike on 35 minutes, and although Ghana were far from their best they got the job done to earn the three points. They will likely have a trickier assignment in South Africa on Monday.

Qualification for the 2023 European Under-21 Championship started badly for a couple of Blues tonight.

Thierno Ballo came on with an hour played in Austria Under-21’s 3-1 loss in Norway. The midfielder, now on loan at Rapid Vienna, had two shots saved as Austria chased an equaliser before the Norwegians finished the game late on.

Sam McClelland played the first half of Northern Ireland Under-21’s 4-1 loss in Malta, with the defender withdrawn during the interval with his side having already conceded three goals.

England Under-21’s friendly against Romania, scheduled to take place today, was called off because of two positive Covid-19 tests in the Three Lions camp. They are due to host Kosovo at Turf Moor on Tuesday in their first qualifier, with Conor Gallagher and Levi Colwill the Chelsea players in that squad.

In Newport, England Under-18s drew 1-1 with their Welsh counterparts. Brodi Hughes was brought on at half-time, with Lewis Hall introduced shortly before the hour as England sought an equaliser which eventually arrived with 15 minutes remaining.

At Under-17 level, England beat Romania 2-0 in the Syrenka Cup with captain Leo Castledine opening the scoring. Sam Rak-Sakyi and Billy Gee also started, with Ronnie Stutter on the bench.