The Black Meteors of Ghana have cruised to the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations after recording a narrow 1-0 win over Algeria at the Baba Yara Stadium to advance with 2-1 on aggregate.
Coach Ibrahim Tanko made only two changes from the team that started in the first leg, introducing skipper Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Abass Salifu Samari in the line up this time around.
The Meteors with a blistering start to the game and nearly grabbed the lead in the opening minutes after Nuamah and Samari combined beautifully to set up Abdul Fatawu Issahaku in the box but his shot went off the crossbar.
Another dangerous attack from the host as Aaron Essel made a great serging run to set up Fatawu Issahaku who crossed to Nuamah at far post but his connection went wide.
The Algerians looked really quiet from onset but made their first attempt on the 9th minute mark, Titraoui Yassine controlled a decent pass, cuts inside but his strike missed the target by an inch for a restart.
Ghana finally opened the scoring account on the 11th minute. Who else? Abdul Fatawu Issahaku who headed home from Ernest Nuamah's cross from the left flanks. It was coming!
Blow for Algeria who had to pull out Idris Bounaas due to Injury and was replaced with Mohammed Islem Belkhir on the 23rd minute.
The Algerians picked up their pieces and threw more men forward in search for the equalizer but Mehdi Emile Dorval had his header tipped off nicely by Danlad Ibrahim to a wasted corner kick. It ended 1-0 after the break.
The Warriors returned with an early free kick but went wide for a goal kick. Danlad sent a strong one upfield which resulted in a counter break with Daniel Afriyie the initiator but couldn't make it count.
Danish-based Ernest Nuamah came so close to increasing their tally after meeting a decent long pass from Essel but his follow up effort was stopped by goalkeeper Teddy Boulhendy with his leg.
Algeria looked completely off, as they tend to build up to attack but always let themselves down with their final decisions.
On the 76th minute, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku broke from the right flanks, away from two defenders and sent a strong hit but missed the post by few inches.
Just two minutes after, Ernest Nuamah once again with an explosive run to set up Afriyie Barnieh at a close range but poorly struck at the throat of the visitors goalie.
After 90+4 minutes, referee Camara ended proceedings and Ghana are through to the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations which will be staged in June in Morocco.
