Ghana made a strong start to their campaign in the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, where they hope to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
After a lacklustre first half, the Black Meteors came out firing in the second half, led by substitute Emmanuel Yeboah, who contributed an assist and two goals, giving Ghana a comfortable lead over Congo.
Although victory appeared to be assured, a late fightback by the Congolese team nearly cost Ghana all three points in the final stages. Congo scored twice during the seven minutes of extra time, in the 93rd and 94th minutes.
Ghana had to rely on time-wasting and tenacious defending to maintain their lead and secure a winning start, joining Morocco at the top of Group A after beating Guinea 2-1 on penalties on Saturday.
Ghana’s attention now turns to their second match against Morocco on Tuesday, where a win would guarantee Ibrahim Tanko’s side a place in the semi-finals.
Here are five key takeaways from the thrilling clash:
A Winning Start
With the tournament serving as a qualification pathway for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, Ghana’s victory in their opening match puts them in a promising position to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
The Black Meteors’ strong start has set the tone for their Olympic qualification campaign, and their focus will be on maintaining their winning form as they aim to reach the semi-finals and secure their ticket to Paris.
The team’s ambitions to compete in the Olympic Games add an extra layer of motivation and significance to their performances, making each match a critical step towards achieving their ultimate goal. To qualify for Paris, they only need to finish among the top three.
Emmanuel Yeboah Shines Following High Praise
Emmanuel Yeboah garnered high praise before the game when legendary Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan endorsed him on social media. Despite starting on the bench, Yeboah made a significant impact upon being introduced, earning the man of the match accolade with two goals and an assist.
I can’t wait to see @yeboah99ideas15 at the big stage , I love his passions and ability to learn all the time , am not surprised he scored 3 goals in his first start for the National Team . Wish him and the Team all the best , I also started from the Meteors . Go Ghana 🇬🇭 🙏 pic.twitter.com/aBjo5vhy7z
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) June 24, 2023
He displayed brilliance by linking up effectively with Nordsjaelland forward Ernest Nuamah for Ghana’s first goal and showcased his finishing ability with a poacher’s goal. Yeboah also converted a penalty superbly after Edmund Arko-Mensah missed two previous attempts from 18 yards.
Following his standout performance, Yeboah has solidified his position as a likely starter in the next match against Morocco.
Complacency in the Dying Minutes
In a major tournament, complacency is the last thing a team should exhibit. The Black Meteors, however, became complacent after believing the match was already won at 3-0, allowing Congo to mount a late comeback.
The lapse in performance during the final minutes raises serious concerns, which Tanko and his team must address. The Black Meteors must give their all in every match, with no room for complacency or loss of concentration, especially at this critical stage of the tournament.
Ernest Nuamah on the Path to Stardom
Ernest Nuamah once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young players and a Golden Ball Award nominee. Despite arriving late due to his involvement with the Black Stars, Nuamah made an immediate impact by scoring a goal that set the tone for Ghana’s victory.
Despite a difficult start, he demonstrated his abilities by fearlessly taking on opponents and consistently making the correct passes. Nuamah finished the season with an impressive 15 goals and four assists in the Danish league, confirming his potential to reach the sport’s pinnacle.
Credit to Tanko and the Technical Team
When Ghana scored their third goal, coach Ibrahim Tanko and his assistants Godwin Attram and Michael Osei embraced in celebration, recognising their astute decision-making.
They showed bravery by replacing the team’s captain after only 45 minutes and giving Yeboah a chance, a move that ultimately paid off with Yeboah’s heroics leading Ghana to victory. It is unusual to see a captain being taken off, emphasising Tanko and his technical team’s seriousness and determination.
