The Black Satellites of Ghana have a shot at redemption as they face Group C opponents Gambia in the semifinals of the ongoing Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania.
Ghana lost its final group game against the Gambia by 2-1 at the Nouadibou Stadium when the two sides met earlier in the competition.
The Satellites failed to hold onto Abdul Fatawu’s early lead as the Gambia came from behind to win the game.
The defeat saw the Black Satellites qualify out of the group as the third-best team in the group phase and Gambia picked the second spot in Group C to qualify after the win.
Coach Karim Zito and his players were able to pass the test against tournament favorites Cameroon as the Black Satellites eliminated the Young Lions via the penalty shootout in the quarterfinals.
Gambia also eased past Central Africa Republic 3-0 in the quarterfinals to set up this clash with Ghana.
Ghana will be hoping to revenge for that painful defeat against Gambia in today’s game to be played at the Stade Olympique de Nouakchott.
Gambia is looking to do a double on the Black Satellites to secure a place in the finals.
Winners of the semifinals games will advance to the final match which will be played at the Stade Olympique de Nouakchott.
Ghana has won the tournament on three occasions 1991, 1995 and 2009 and will be eyeing a fourth title.
Officials for the game
Referee for the game is Souleiman Ahmed Djama from Djibouti with Youssef Wahid Youssef Elbosaty (Egypt) and Abbes Akram Zerhouni (Algeria) as assistants.
The fourth official is Celso Armindo Alvacao from Mozamabique with Wajdi Aouadi from Tunisia as Match Commissioner.
The General Coordinator is Kelly Athanasie Mukandanga from Rwanda.
Starting line up for both teams
?? L I N E U P S ??#TotalAFCONU20 | #GHAGAM pic.twitter.com/UOufthHLXt
— #TotalAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) March 1, 2021
Kits to be worn by the two teams in today's game
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Kits are set & ready ahead of today's first semi final clash! ?#TotalAFCONU20 | #GHAGAM pic.twitter.com/M9fjxquTMC
— #TotalAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) March 1, 2021
Game underway
03’ Precious Boah had the first chance of the game in the second minute but failed to direct his free-kick at goal
06’ Abdul Fatawu was brought down in the box but the referee ignored calls for a penalty
07’ Ghana making all the attacks in the opening minutes of the game
08’ Asinki with a nice block to prevent Fofana’s strike from troubling the Ghana goalkeeper
10’ It’s Ghana 0-0 Gambia
15' Ceesay commits a foul as referee awards a free-kick to Ghana
Fatawu with a decent strike and a good save from the goalkeeper
20' The Black Satellites dominating play at the moment
27' Gambia looking very dangerous from the set pieces
30' CHANCE: Abdul Fatawu's shot is blocked, what a timely intervention
32' Danile Afriyie has been fouled just on the edge of the box. Referee whistles
CHANCE: Precious Boah behind the freekick and he scores
Goal ooooooooooooooo and the Dreams FC striker puts Ghana in the lead
It's Ghana 1-0 Gambia
33’ G⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️L!!
Percious Boah opens the scoring from a free kick.
Ghana ?? 1-0 ?? Gambia #TotalAFCONU20 #BlackSatellites #BringBackTheLove pic.twitter.com/SM1UHQTyCR
— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) March 1, 2021
36' CHANCE: Free kick awarded to Gambia just a few yards away from the goal area.
The ball goes wide for a goal kick
40’ It’s Ghana 1-0 Gambia
45+2’ Referee whistles to bring the first half to an end
Ghana leading the tie as we head into the break
Second half underway
52’ Ibrahim Danlad tested, saves calmly. The Young Scorpions are pushing more in this half.
56’ SAVE...!!! Danlad pulls a fine save to deny the Young Scorpions, they’ve been the better side after recess.
Gambia pushing for the equalizer as they mount a lot of pressure on the opponents
90’ It’s all over as Ghana beat Gambia 1-0 to book a place in the final
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