Sanchez buoyed by Mexico win over Ghana

Pavel Pardo converted a late penalty to give Mexico a 2-1 friendly victory over Ghana on Wednesday, handing beleaguered coach Hugo Sanchez a boost, five days before a meeting which is likely decide his future.

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) is due to meet on Monday to decide whether Sanchez, who has been in charge for 18 months, can continue in the job.

Sanchez, widely regarded as the finest player Mexico has produced, has been under fire since the U-23 team, which he also coaches, failed to qualify for the Olympic Games.

In the game played at Fulham's Craven Cottage, Mexico created plenty of chances.

But Ghana, who played a majority of the team which reached the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup last month, went ahead in the 55th minute when Michael Essien scored with a shot which went in off the post.

PSV Eindhoven defender Carlos Salcido equalised for Mexico in the 77th minute and ten minutes later Pardo fired in from the penalty spot to give Sanchez some respite.

After the match, Sanchez said he had put the Olympic team disappointment behind him.

"Yes, I have to say openly that we failed, but that is a separate chapter," he told a news conference.

"As long as I have the backing of the people who know football, we will continue to improve.

"I'm asking for there to be patience and teamwork, which is the only way to get results."