Black Meteors line-up
Ghana’s Black Meteors yesterday lost 2-3 on penalties to Cote d’Ivoire in the first semi-finals of the U-23 AFCON tournament in Cairo.
Ghana, on two occasions, came from behind to level to push the game to extra time.
The Ivorians opened the scoring after 12 minutes through Slavia Prague attacker Youssouf Dao.
Coach Ibrahim Tanko’s introduction of striker Kwabena Owusu when the game had barely developed with Robin Polley did not pay off until after the break.
Skipper Yaw Yeboah swept home a cut back from Samuel Obeng to pull even, but the Ivorians restored their lead through Dao.
Again, Ghana fought back to hit the back of the net through Evans Mensah from a close range after a tripped Owusu pass.
Emmanuel Lomotey and Samuel Obeng perfectly converted their kicks, while Emmanuel Cudjoe, Evans Mensah and Owusu failed in their attempts.
On the other hand, Ismael Diallo, Hamed Traore, Koffi Kouao converted beautifully, but Aboubakar Keita missed his kick.
Ghana face the loser of the Egypt- South Africa game (results not available at press time) for the final ticket to the 2020 Olympics in Japan.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum