Ghana’s U23 side – the Black Meteors – managed a 3-2 win over their Congolese counterparts following an incredible second half performance by substitute Emmanuel Yeboah.
The CFR Clug forward replaced skipper Afriyie Barnieh and instantly changed the dynamics of a game that looked unimpressive in the first half.
Emmanuel Yeboah came off the bench to strike twice to inspire the Black Meteors to victory over Congo at the 2023 U-23 Afcon in Morocco
Two goals and an assist from the forward gave Ghana their first win of the tournament in their tournament opener.
Ghana had a promising start to the game when Ernest Nuamah put through Afriyie Barnieh twice under 5 minute to put Ghana in front but none was successful.
Both Ghana and Congo failed to show class in the first half but it was the Central Africans who saw a greater part of possession.
Ghana manager – Tanko – effected two substitutions right after the break after both sides failed to break the virginity of the game in the first half.
Ernest Nuamah opened the scoring for Ghana
Ernest Nuamah responded positively when he was put through by substitute Emmanuel Yeboah five minutes after the break to put Ghana in the lead.
Yeboah doubled the lead for Ghana with 15 minutes to end regulation time after dashing past his marker with a beautiful finish.
The lanky forward sped past his marker with a nice chest control, kept his composure and balance and slotted the ball into the lower left corner of the post to give Ghana a 2-0 advantage.
With 1o minutes to end proceedings, Edmund Arkoh Mensah was brought down in the Congolese goal area.
Edmund elected himself to take the spot kick but his attempt was saved twice when it was ruled the Congo goalkeeper moved before the kicks.
Emmanuel Yeboah took the kick on the third attempt and swerved the Congo goalkeeper to give Ghana a 3-0 advantage.
The Congolese responded with a beautiful header from Reich Kokolo 3 minutes into additional time to reduce the tally.
Inspired by Kokolo’s goal, Congo scored their second goal just a minute after their first through Yann Ngatse to but Ghana on. Knife’s edge.
But the Black Meteors defended the remaining 3 minutes to end the game 3-2 making Yeboah the hero of the game.
Ghana will take on hosts Morocco in their next game before playing Guinea in their last group game of the tournament.
Credit: Footballmadeinghana
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