Wales player ratings v Canada: Bellamy’s side suffer 1-0 loss in fiery friendly

Wales fell 1-0 to Canada at the Swansea.com Stadium in a fiery friendly that produced eight yellow cards.

Cardiff City duo Ronan Kpakio and Joel Colwill earned their first senior caps, following Bluebirds teammate Dylan Lawlor, who made his debut in Astana on Thursday.

There was also a first senior appearance for Coventry City midfielder Kai Andrews, with the 19-year-old entering the field in the second half of the loss in Swansea.

Adam Davies and Charlie Crew were back in action for the first time since June 2024, when they last played in the 0-0 draw away to Gibraltar.

The sole goal of the highly competitive fixture arrived in the 41st minute, when Derek Cornelius’ long-range free-kick beat Davies.

Craig Bellamy’s side will next travel to Wembley Stadium to take on England before a vital 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Wales player ratings v Canada

Adam Davies – 4

After twice being rescued by the post and crossbar, Davies was finally beaten by a well-struck long-range free-kick that opened the scoring.

Ronan Kpakio – 3

It was a difficult senior debut for the full-back, who struggled at times against the visitors’ attack and was fortunate not to concede a penalty early on.

Ben Davies (C) – 7

It was a solid display from the captain as he moves closer to a century of Wales appearances, though he will be disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet.

Ben Cabango – 6

The Swansea City defender showed his leadership alongside debutant Kpakio and proved a solid presence at the back for Bellamy’s side other than one mistake that nearly proved costly.

Neco Williams – 4

It was a difficult night at left-back, with Tajon Buchanan frequently finding space in behind, and a sloppy pass almost gifting Canada the opener as they went on to hit the post.

Jordan James – 5

It was a quiet outing for the young midfielder, who struggled to make a major impact during the hour he was on the field, but worked tirelessly on and off the ball.

Charlie Crew – 6

Operating as the deepest midfielder, Crew faced the dual responsibility of initiating attacks for Bellamy’s side while coping with the opposition press. He demonstrated a willingness to shoulder that pressure and worked tirelessly throughout.

David Brooks – 5

Brooks had an early opportunity to put Wales ahead but failed to make a clean connection with the cross. He was replaced on the hour mark having failed to pose much of a threat to the visiting defence.

Harry Wilson – 5

Wilson showed some neat link-up play with teammates, but he didn’t get into dangerous areas often enough to trouble the visitors and wasted opportunities to have an effort at goal.

Daniel James – 5

Another player who failed to impress for Wales, struggling to make a major impact on the game despite his pace as ever being difficult for any opponent he faces.

Mark Harris – 4

The forward was unable to put the opposition defence under sustained pressure, creating few chances and struggling aerially against the physicality of the visiting centre-backs.

Rhys Norrington-Davies – 5

A second half change for Wales who was solid defensively but failed to offer much going forward as the visitors earned victory.

Joel Colwill – 5

A second-half substitute for Bellamy, he celebrated his first senior appearance but struggled to make a significant impact in midfield, though he delivered an overall solid performance.

Lewis Koumas – 5

Koumas struggled to make a significant impact after replacing Brooks in the second half, offering little threat to the opposition goal alongside Bellamy’s other attacking players.

Sorba Thomas – 5

Replacing debutant Kpakio he solidified the right side and looked to get forward and trouble the Canadian defence.

Kai Andrews – 5

Another Welsh substitute who showed composure on the ball and worked hard to recover possession when lost. Although he was occasionally caught out defensively, he did well to regain his position.

Chris Mepham – 5

A late change from Bellamy replacing Cabango at the heart of defence.