U-20 AFCON: Black Satellites World Cup dream off after defeat to Egypt
The Black Satellites’ dream of qualifying for the World Cup has been ended after suffering a defeat to Egypt in the quarter-finals of the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The team lost 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time at the Suez International Stadium.
The Satellites, who were hoping for a strong start, were left shell-shocked after some calamitous defending.
Momen Sherif scored early goal in the 19th minutes, from miscommunication defense between captain Ofori Mccarthy and goalkeeper Gidios Aseako, giving the Young Pharoas the lead.
Sherif added the second goal in the 26th minute, giving the Egyptians semi-finals hope.
Abdul Aziz Issah powerful kick hit the net, leaving the Egyptian goalkeeper Abdelmonem Tamer in a shock, giving Ghanaian hope for a comeback before half time break.
Ghana kept pushing in the second half and were finally rewarded a penalty in the dying minute after a boot-up challenge on Joseph Opoku inside the box.
Abdul Sulemana stepped up and converted the penalty to make it 2-2 and send the game into extra time.
Aaron Essel was sent off after receiving a second yellow card booking as the Satellites ended the game with 10 men.
The defeat has extended Ghana’s World Cup drought to 12 years, since its last appearance in New Zealand in 2015.
Story By: Spain Borga Zaragoza
