Ghana’s Black Satellites have secured their place in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a resilient 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in the semi-final of the WAFU Zone B Championship. Facing their West African rivals in a high-stakes clash, Ghana overcame an early deficit to secure their spot, with Jerry Afriyie’s penalty proving decisive.
The match opened with intensity from both sides, as each team looked to impose their style and gain an early advantage.
Ghana, showcasing moments of attacking flair, found their rhythm disrupted by a determined Ivorian side that capitalized on a lapse in the Ghanaian defense.
In the 18th minute, Ivory Coast’s Loukou Jaures found space inside the penalty area and seized the opportunity, slotting the ball into the net to put his team ahead 1-0.
The early setback left Ghana reeling, as the Black Satellites struggled to regain composure for the remainder of the first half.
On the touchline, head coach Desmond Ofei could be seen rallying his players, urging them to stay focused and execute their game plan.
During the break, Ofei made key tactical adjustments, instilling his team with the resolve to fight back in the second half.
His words seemed to have immediate effect, as Ghana returned to the pitch with renewed energy and a high-pressing approach that put their opponents under constant pressure.
Just two minutes after the restart, Ghana’s pressing yielded results when a defensive error in the Ivorian box led to an own goal, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 47th minute.
With the momentum now in their favor, the Black Satellites intensified their attack, dictating the pace and keeping the Ivorians on the back foot.
Ghana’s midfield commanded the play, skillfully breaking up Ivorian attempts to rebuild and launching forward with purpose.
The Ivorians struggled to regain control, as Ghana’s aggression limited their options and made possession difficult to maintain.
Entering the final 15 minutes, Ghana continued their push for a winner.
In the 75th minute, a swift counter-attack saw Jerry Afriyie storm into the Ivorian penalty area.
Attempting to evade his marker, Afriyie was brought down by a clumsy challenge, leading the referee to point to the spot and award Ghana a crucial penalty.
Afriyie, the designated penalty taker, stepped up with composure and expertly converted, giving Ghana a 2-1 lead that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
Fans erupted as Ghana completed their comeback, sensing that the AFCON qualification was within reach.
Ivory Coast fought hard to find an equalizer in the closing minutes, but Ghana’s defense remained resolute, effectively stifling any late opportunities.
When the final whistle blew, the Black Satellites celebrated as a unified team, having achieved their qualification goal.
Jerry Afriyie was named Man of the Match for his pivotal role in the game, especially his cool execution of the winning penalty.
Embraced by his teammates, Afriyie’s heroics capped off a hard-fought team effort that now sees Ghana moving on to the U-20 AFCON with high hopes.
