Two second half goals from Daniel Afriyie Barnieh brightens the Black Meteors chances of cruising into the third round after beating Mozambique by 1-2 at the Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo, in the first leg of the 2023 CAF U-23 Championship qualifiers.
The Meteors begun on an explosive note having taken the game at the host in search for an early surprised opener.
Ghana created some couple of decent chances but couldn't make it count following Mozambique's solid backline.
The Mambas with their first dangerous incursion on the 25th minute in search of goal but a great intervention from Bechem United's Aaron Essel rescued the situation for the travellers.
On the 30th minute, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh came so close to finding the back of the net but his effort missed the post by inches. It ended barren after first half
After recess, the Black Meteors took it from where they ended, and mounted so much pressure on the homesters.
Ghana finally scored on the 65th minute through young sensation Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, who scored from a penalty kick.
Just ten minutes after the first, another penalty was given and was once again converted beautifully by Afriyie Barnieh to seal his brace.
Mozambique ended the game very dangerous after pushing more men forward in search for a consolation which they eventually got on the 88th minute after scoring from a rebound.
It finished 1-2 for coach Ibrahim Tanko and his men after full time. The return leg is scheduled for next week in Kumasi.
