CAF U-20 AFCON: Ghana defeats Gambia as Boah powers nation to Cup of Nations final

The Black Satellites defeated Gambia in the semi final tie between the two nations on Monday to book a place in the final in the ongoing CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania.

A 33rd minute magical strike from striker Precious Boah handed Ghana a sweet revenge over their Group C counterparts, after Ghana had suffered a 2-1 defeat in the hands of Gambia in the last game of the group stages of the tournament.

The game started on a cautious approach by both sides who are familiar with themselves, as all efforts by both sides to register an early goal fell on rocks. It is the Ghanaians who were going to do what matters most in football – scoring a goal.

On the 33rd minute mark, Ghana won a free kick close to the Gambians goal area which Ghana made very good use of. Striker Precious Boah stepped up to take the free kick, and he curled the ball beyond the wall and into the top left corner of Saidy Lamin’s goal to register his third goal in the tournament.

Later on, an erratic pass from Ghana goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad gifted the Gambians a golden opportunity to restore parity, but it wasn’t meant to be as their efforts went wayward. Ghana held on to their led resolutely, denying Gambia any chance of equalizing till the referee blew for the end of the first half.

Gambia came from the break with improved approach, threatened the Ghanaian goal area on couple of times but scoring eluded them. The Young Scorpions raised their game with a decent pass that put Wally Fofana through but goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim made great save to deny him. In a protective approach, Ghana coach Karim Zito later brought on Frank Boateng, Joselpho Barnes and Mathew Cudjoe in place of Emmanuel Essiam, the eventual Total player of the match Percious Boah and Mohamed Sulemana.

Boah’s lone strike handed Ghana a 1-0 victory over Gambia to book a spot in the final with a chance to contest for their fourth title at the Under-20 AFCON. Ghana has reached the final of the U-20 AFCON for the first time since 2015. Ghana has won the title on three (3) occasions – 1993, 1999 as hosts and last in Egypt 2009.

Ghana will face the Uganda in the final match on Saturday, March 6, 2021.