Match Report: Ghana (5) 0-0 (3) Niger – Black Satellites made to work for victory against Young Gazelles

Ghana’s Black Satellites needed a penalty shoot out victory over Niger to reach the 2021 U20 AFCON finals.

Prestige FC’s Frank Boateng converted the decisive kick that won the day for the former World champions.

Ghana coach Karim Zito dropped Hearts of Oak attacker Daniel Afriyie to the bench and failed to bring him on even when it was obvious that Precious Boah was not giving his A game.

XI Wonders’ Abdul Mugeez started in offensive midfielder together with Anim Cudjoe.

The Black Satellites failed to take their chances in the first-half as Precious Boah, Abdul Mugeez and Matthew Anim Cudjoe all missed glaring chances.

In the 68th minute Karim Zito withdrew Huda Issah and introduced Eugene Frimpong in his place. Eugene’s introduction injected decent amount of energy in the Ghanaian side but Niger stood strong.

Matthew Cudjoe nearly grabbed the opener for Ghana on the 71st minute as he powered a well driven effort across the face of goal.

While Ghana were keen on getting control over the game the Nigerien stuck to their strategy of relying on long supplies upfront.

Niger could have stolen the win when a decisive ball was weighted in with a Nigerien forward waiting to finish the game but Danlad Ibrahim came to the rescue of Ghana with a save.

Both sides failed to create any clear chances as the game headed into extra time.

Substitute Frank Boateng managed to put the ball into the Niger net but he was flagged offside by the assistant one.

Source: ghanasportsonline.com

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