The Black Meteors of Ghana have cruised to the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations after recording a narrow 1-0 win over Algeria at the Baba Yara Stadium to advance with 2-1 on aggregate.
Coach Ibrahim Tanko made only two changes from the team that started in the first leg, introducing skipper Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Abass Salifu Samari in the line-up this time around.
The Meteors made a blistering start to the game and nearly grabbed the lead in the opening minutes after Nuamah and Samari combined beautifully to set up Abdul Fatawu Issahaku in the box, but his shot went off the crossbar.
Another dangerous attack from the host as Aaron Essel made a great surging run to set up Fatawu Issahaku who crossed to Nuamah at far post but his connection went wide.
Ghana finally opened the scoring account on the 11th minute. Who else? Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – who headed home from Ernest Nuamah’s cross from the left flanks.
The Algerians picked up their pieces and threw more men forward in search for the equalizer but Mehdi Emile Dorval had his header tipped off nicely by Danlad Ibrahim to a wasted corner kick.
Danish-based Ernest Nuamah came so close to increasing their tally after meeting a decent long pass from Essel but his follow up effort was stopped by goalkeeper Teddy Boulhendy with his leg.
Algeria looked completely off, as they tend to build up to attack but always let themselves down with their final decisions.
Ghana are through to the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations which will be held in Morocco in November this year.
Credit: kickgh.com
