The Black Satellites produced an imposing performance to qualify for the AFCON Under-20 final by beating Gambia 1-0 at the Stade Olympique yesterday.
Gambia’s Young Scorpions had overturned a 1-0 deficit to upset the Satellites 2-1 in their last Group C clash and placed second ahead of Ghana – who qualified as the third best side.
It was the reason many dreaded yesterday’s encounter, but not the courageous Satellites who exacted a sweet revenge that may have crushed Gambia hearts.
The Ghanaians took charge of the early exchanges and dominated as they capitalised on a swift counter attack that resulted in a free-kick that Percious Boah’s dreaded left foot missed narrowly.
Minutes on, Ghana nearly snatched the opener through Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, but a decent save from goalkeeper Lamin Saidy kept the game goalless after 16th minutes.
Three-time winners Satellites kept piling the pressure but were also facing a tough Gambian side that put the Satellites’ midfield on their toes with their strong physical play.
However, the Satellites’ efforts paid off when Boah’s magical left foot did the trick after Fatawu was soiled on the edge in the 34th minute. It was the Dreams FC player’s second free-kick of the campaign.
“We are glad with today’s performance and we are ready for any team now. The ultimate is to bring the trophy home,” Boah said at a post-match presser.
After the opener, it was the debutants who grew in confidence made some decent runs on the flanks.
It did not take long for goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim to react quickly to deny Gambia the leveler with two decent saves from his own errors which nearly caused the team in the last minute of the first half as Ghana went into the break with the lead.
The larger portion of possession was enjoyed by Gambia who came back stronger after the break and created the best of chances in the first 10 minutes.
After the 51st minute, a feeble effort from Kajally Dremmeh posed no threat to goalie Danlad Ibrahim who grabbed with ease.
Minutes on, Gambia had the chance to pull parity from a similar spot from where Boah snatched the opener, but Wally Fofana’s effort was well blocked by the wall.
Another clear-cut opportunity fell for Fofana who hit from an acute angle but credit to goalie Ibrahim with another superb save to deny Gambia.
Bent on grabbing the equaliser, the Young Scorpions introduced fresh legs – Alajie Kujabi, Alieu Barry and Habibou Mendy came on for Ebiu camara, Wally Fofana and Fredina Jatta respectively.
The last 10 minutes went in favour of Gambia with good chances but the backline pair of Frank Assinki and Uzair Alhassan kept their composure and apt with their clearances and tackles.
Ghana almost got the second goal through Fatawu’s long drive from the centre after spotting goalie Lamin Saidy come off his line.
Coach Karim Zito brought on Matthew Cudjoe, Frank Boateng and Joselpho Barnes to defend the side’s only goal as the Gambians continued to fight hard for the redeemer which never came.
Boah was adjudged the man of the match and his goal yesterday takes his tally to three as the Satellites await the winner of the other semi-final tie between Tunisia and Uganda which was being played as of press time.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
