Ghana’s Black Satellites needed a penalty shootout victory over Niger to reach the 2021 U-20 AFCON finals.
Prestige FC’s Frank Boateng converted the decisive kick that won the day for the former World U-20 champions.
Coach Karim Zito’s team failed to take their chances in the first half as Precious Boah, Abdul Mugeez and Matthew Anim Cudjoe all missed glaring chances.
In the 68th minute Karim Zito withdrew Huda Issah and introduced Eugene Frimpong in his place. Eugene’s introduction injected decent amount of energy in the Ghanaian side but Niger stood strong.
Matthew Cudjoe nearly grabbed the opener for Ghana on the 71st minute as he powered a well driven effort across the face of goal.
While Ghana were keen on getting control over the game the Nigerien stuck to their strategy of relying on long supplies upfront.
Niger could have stolen the win when a decisive ball was weighted in with a Nigerien forward waiting to finish the game but Danlad Ibrahim came to the rescue of Ghana with a save.
Both sides failed to create any clear chances as the game headed into extra time.
Substitute Frank Boateng managed to put the ball into the Niger net but he was flagged offside by the assistant one.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Benjamin Yamoah
