Black Satellites fail in World Cup qualification bid after losing on penlaties to Egypt – Nsemkeka
Ghana failed in their attempt to qualify for the next U-20 World Cup after losing to Egypt on Monday, May 12.
The Black Satellites lost 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 result in 120 minutes of action, ending their hopes of progressing further at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Egypt enjoyed a great start to the game, scoring two goals in eight minutes.
Momen Sherif, twice, pounced on a defensive mix-up in the Ghanaian defence involving Ofori McCarthy and goalkeeper Gidious Aseako.
After going two goals down, Ghana calmed their nerves and grew their way into the game.
Their efforts were rewarded in additional time of the first half when Egypt’s goalkeeper made a mess of Abdul Aziz Isaiah’s long-range effort to make it 2-1.
Desmond Ofei’s boys went into the break on the back foot and with a lot to play for in the second half.
The Black Satellites should have scored just before the hour mark, but Denis Marfo’s header from a cross went just over the crossbar.
It was all Ghana in the second half, but the Satellites were unable to draw level from the opportunities presented to them.
When all hope seemed lost and gone, Hakim Sulemana kept Ghana in the game after they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Joseph Opoku.
The Randers forward scored from the penalty spot to take the game to extra time.
The Satellites were reduced to 10 players after Aaron Essel was sent off for a last-man tackle.
Ghana pushed the game into penalties, where they eventually lost after Dacosta Antwi missed the second attempt while Egypt scored all of their kicks.
The result means the Satellites exit the competition with the host advancing to the semifinals while also grabbing a World Cup slot.