The Black Meteors of Ghana beat Algeria to qualify 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 two changes from the team that started in the first leg, skipper Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Abass Salifu Samari were introduced in the starting XI
The Meteors started on the front foot and nearly got the lead in the opening minutes after Nuamah and Samari combined to set up Abdul Fatawu Issahaku in the box but skied his effort. Ghana had Algeria under pressure and always looked likely to grab the opener.
The Algerians looked off the pace from onset but made their first attempt on the 9th minute mark, Titraoui Yassine controlled a decent pass, cuts inside but launched an attack sent which resulted in a counter break with Daniel Afriyie the initiator but couldn’t make it count.
Ghana finally grabbed the opener on the 11th minute. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku headed home from Ernest Nuamah’s cross from the left flan
Danish-based Ernest Nuamah came so close to increasing the tally after meeting a decent long pass from Essel but his follow up effort was stopped by goalkeeper Teddy Boulhendy with his leg.
Algeria missed out on goal scoring opportunities and looked completely off the pace.
On the 76th minute, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku broke from the right flanks, away from two defenders and sent a strong hit but missed the post by few inches.
Just two minutes after, Ernest Nuamah once again with an explosive run to set up Afriyie Barnieh at a close range but poorly struck at the throat of the visitors goalie.
After 90+4 minutes, referee Camara ended proceedings and Ghana are through to the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations which will be staged in June in Morocco.
Source: Soccanews.com