Friday saw Ghana’s 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations end in heartbreak after a 1-1 draw against Guinea resulted in elimination from the tournament for the Black Meteors. Guinea captain Ibrahim Fofana struck in the second half to cancel out Emmanuel Yeboah’s first half opener to give the Syli second place in Group A by virtue of a superior goal difference. Morocco, who won the group with two wins from their opening two match, finished the group stage with a perfect record by defeating already eliminated Republic of Congo 1-0.
Ghana knew they needed a victory to advance after a disastrous lopsided defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week. The Black Meteors showed initiative and were on course to advance after Yeboah struck in the 33rd minute following quick combination play with Abdul Fatawu. However the Ghanaian team allowed Guinea to seize control and Fofana struck a brilliant volley from distance just after the hour mark to qualify his team for the semifinals.
Morocco had little issue making it three wins from three Group A matches against the Congolese. Younes Taha played a quick exchange with Oussama Targhalline to set up a hard shot from distance that took a severe deflection on its way past a helpless Simon Samba in the Republic of Congo goal. The Atlas Lions continue to look like the best team in the competition and are now one victory away from qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics football tournament.
Highlights of both matches from the final day of Group A are below.
Scores
Morocco 1-0 Republic of Congo
Ghana 1-1 Guinea
Highlights
Ghana 1-1 Guinea
Morocco 1-0 Republic of Congo
