The Country’s male U-20 team has booked qualification to the Africa Youth Championship in Mauritania next year after making it to the finals of the WAFU Zone B U-20 championship with a penalty shootout victory against Niger on Tuesday afternoon.
Frank Boateng converted the winning penalty as the Black Satellites recorded a 5-3 shootout success over the Nigeriens.
The Black Satellites had a good start to the game but were denied the lead after two successive brilliant saves by Niger goalkeeper Abubakar Issaka.
The Nigerian goalie saved a strike from Mugeez Zakaria he has been put through by Asiam in the early stages of the game.
The super save forced the goalkeeper to pick an injury and had to be replaced after attempts to continue the game proved futile.
Nigeriens substitution, the home team had a fine opportunity to take the lead but the attacker’s strike went wide off the post.
Dreams FC star Precious Boah, who was making a return to the team’s starting lineup after his suspension, pulled a save from second goalie Omar Lawali after a good control and a left-foot strike.
Boah nearly gave Ghana the lead in 56th minute but his intelligent free kick hit the crossbar to deny Ghana a lead after recess.
Both sides despite making some good scoring attempts could not hit the back of the net, pushing the game to extra time.
”The Ministry of Youth and Sports congratulates the black satellites for their sterling performance at the 2020 WAFU Zone B under 20 tournament. Having qualified for the finals of the tournament,” the ministry said in a statement.
”The Ministry is confident that the team will emerge as ultimate winners of the tournament. We wish you the best of luck in the final match.” the statement added.
Ghana will now battle with Burkina-Faso who beat Ivory Coast 4-1 on Saturday for the ultimate.
