CAF U-23 AFCON: Ghana Survive Cameroon Scare To Earn Important Point From Opening Game

CAF U-23 AFCON: Ghana Survive Cameroon Scare To Earn Important Point From Opening Game

The Black Meteors of Ghana played their hearts out this evening at the Cairo International Stadium to earn a crucial point from their opening match in the 2019 CAF-U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament against Cameroon.

Some delightful play from both teams in the first half could not produce any end result as it ended goalless. Ghana particularly caused numerous threats in the half of its opponent but the inability to create decent chances ended up causing the team.

At the halftime break, Meteors head coach Ibrahim Tanko made a tactical change to bring on Samuel Obeng to replace Issah Abass as he spurred his side on to get on the scoresheet.

The early minutes of the second 45 minutes exhibited more of the same from the first half with the Cameroonians proving to be as tough as a nut while they combined attack with defense with disciplined balance.

Right on the half-hour mark, the Indomitable Lions were presented with a fine opportunity when they were awarded a free-kick right on the edge of Ghana’s 18-yard box.

Danger-man Franck Evina accepted the challenge in front of the human wall and lifted his effort well over as it dipped into the back of the net after scratching the under of the crossbar.

Sensing danger, Coach Ibrahim Tanko introduced some fresh legs to help his side chase the game. After knocking at goal on several occasions, the Black Meteors finally got the goal they deserved on the 86^th minute with Mohammed Habib atoning for the free-kick he gave away that caused his team to concede.

Both sides tried to get a second goal to earn all 3 points but failed with the limited time as the game ended 1-1.

Ghana will now need to beat Mali in her second match of the tournament to keep her hopes of progressing into the semi-finals to ensure the dream of making it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games is kept alive.