Host Morocco came from a goal deficit to defeat Guinea 2-1 In the opening game of the U23 AFCON which kicked off on Saturday 24th of June in Morocco.
Guinea had the best chances in the first half. And it was only logical that the Guineans should open the scoring in the dying moments of the 1st half. Algassime Bah (45+2) punished the Moroccans. The Moroccans had not managed a single shot in the first half. Too few to worry the Guineans.
However, the first shot hit the target. Morocco equalised with their first shot of the game when Ez Abde won a penalty (1-1, 68′). From then on, the chances kept coming for the Atlas Cubs. It paid off when Abde doubled the lead from the penalty spot (90+7). Guinea thought they had equalised but Oularé’s goal (90+10) was disallowed.
Similarly, the Ghanaians U23 side defeated Congo DR 3-2 to go joint top of group A with Morocco.
Ibrahim Tanko put forward his best foot by naming a strong line-up that had Ibrahim Danlad, Emmanuel Essiam, Fatawu Issahaku, Daniel Afriyieh Barnieh and Nuamah.
Congo got more comfortable as the minutes ticked and tested Danlad twice after creating the better openings as the first half ended goalless.
Tanko’s early changes in the second half, though, proved to be a masterstroke, with Yeboah, who replaced Barnieh, immediately setting up Nuamah for the opening goal.
In a captivating encounter in Rabat, the Black Meteors of Ghana emerged victorious, although they faced nail-biting moments in the dying minutes when Congo mounted an impressive comeback from a 3-0 deficit to score two late goals.
Ghana will return to action on Tuesday with a crucial Group A clash against hosts Morocco, while Congo Brazzaville will also take on Guinea in the day’s second match.
The first three countries will represent Africa at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris France.