Black Meteors of Ghana held their Egyptian counterparts to a one-all draw in a pre-tournament friendly ahead of the upcoming U23 AFCON.
In a warm-up match leading up to the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana U-23 and Egypt U-23 clashed at the Alexandria Stadium, resulting in an exhilarating 1-1 draw filled with captivating moments.
The Ghanaian team started the game with an impressive display of attacking prowess, immediately putting pressure on their opponents.
Their efforts paid off in the 9th minute when Issahaku exhibited exceptional recovery skills near the edge of the box, evading three Egyptian defenders before being fouled inside the penalty area.
Confidently stepping up to take the penalty, Afriyie Barnieh expertly converted it, granting Ghana a well-deserved lead.
However, just ten minutes later, Egypt was awarded a penalty of their own, providing them with an opportunity to equalize.
Ghana’s goalkeeper, Ibrahim Danlad, showcased his skills by making a superb save, deflecting the ball away and preserving his team’s advantage.
Despite this moment of brilliance, Danlad experienced a lapse in the 34th minute when his pass went directly to an opponent, resulting in a counterattack initiated by Egypt.
With a series of precise passes, Egypt’s cohesive teamwork led to a well-executed goal, leveling the scores.
The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, highlighting the competitive nature of both teams and setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
This match served as valuable preparation for the Black Meteors as they gear up for the U-23 AFCON in Morocco.
Their primary objective in the tournament is to secure a top-three finish, guaranteeing qualification for the Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Paris next year.
Ghana’s last participation in the Olympic Games was in 2004, and they are eager to make their presence felt on the global stage once again.
In the upcoming U-23 AFCON, Ghana has been placed in Group A alongside Morocco, Congo, and Guinea, promising challenging encounters that will test their abilities and determination.
