Ghana’s Black Satellites suffered a 2-1 defeat against Egypt in the U20 AFCON, a result which ends Ghana’s dream of participating at the U20 World Cup.
A win for Ghana would have guaranteed the team an automatic qualification berth.
However, host nation Egypt had other ideas.
The opening exchanges of the game lacked the needed pace as both sides played it safe.
Egypt upped the tempo and were rewarded minutes later.
Ahmed Sharaf’s ball from the top saw captain of Ghana, Ofori McCarthy and Gidios Aseako, fail to deal with the ball.
Momen Sherif latched onto it to give Egypt the lead after 19 minutes.
Eight minutes after, the trick was repeated by the hosts but this time Sherif racing onto Abdullah Bostangy’s ball, rounding Aseako before finishing into the gaping goal.
Ghana were handed a route back into the game after Aziz Issah struck from range – an attempt Egypt goalkeeper failed to judge correctly.
The momentum swang in Ghana’s favour, with Hakim Sulemana converting from the spot for Ghana.
Extra-time could not separate the teams as Ghana lost marginally (5-4) on penalties to Egypt.
The victory puts Egypt in the semi-finals of the U20 AFCON, but most importantly secures a World Cup berth for the hosts and four-time AFCON champions.
