Africa-Press – Ghana. Ghana’s Black Satellites suffered a 5-4 penalty loss to Egypt in the quarterfinals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations at Suez Stadium.
After regulation time ended 2-2, the Black Satellites couldn’t keep their composure from the penalty spot as they missed out on the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, with Egypt securing one of Africa’s four slots.
With this result, the Black Satellites miss out on the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, with Egypt securing one of Africa’s four slots.
Ghana, who have won the U-20 AFCON four times, began the game as heavy favourites, especially following their outstanding group stage performance, which saw them top Group C.
Ghana coach Desmond Offei had his marksman Jerry Afriyie back in the lineup with Joseph Amankwah, who scored the game winner against the Central African Republic, getting the starting nod.
The Black Satellites of Ghana began the game on a high note, dominating the Young Pharaohs, who resorted to counter-attacks.
The Egyptians took the lead in the 19th minute thanks to Ghana captain Ofori McCarthy’s weak defensive play, which set up Momen Sherif to score from close range.
Things became worse for the Black Satellites when another poor defensive display presented another opportunity for Momen, who tapped home from close range in the 27th minute.
Ghana came close to pulling a goal back in the 43rd minute, but Phenyin Dennis Marfo’s effort was cleared off the line by the Egyptian defence.
The Black Satellites did get a goal back on the brink of half-time through Issah, who struck a ferocious shot past the Egyptian goalkeeper Abdelmomen Tamer.
Ghana’s Black Satellites were eager to get back on level terms in the opening minutes of the second half as they were on the front foot.
On the half-hour mark, Ghana’s Dennis Marfo came close to restoring parity, but his header was gathered calmly by the Egyptian goalkeeper.
The Egyptians were resolute in their defence, with the custodian keeping Ghana out of the penalty box.
The pressure from the Black Satellites of Ghana was relentless in the late stages of the game and restored parity in second half added time through Sulemana who converted from the penalty spot.
The match headed to extra time and Ghana came close to winning it in extra time through Hayford Adu Boahen but his long-range effort was saved by the Egyptian goalkeeper Tamer.
Ghanaian midfielder Aaron Essel was sent off in the late stages of the second half extra time but the Egyptians couldn’t capitalise as the match went into penalty shoot-out.
The Young Pharaohs won 5-4 on penalties.
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