Emmanuel Yeboah’s second-half brace coupled with another from Ernest Nuamah powered Ghana to an explosive start to the 2023 U-23 AFCON after humbling Congo by an emphatic 3-0 at the Prince Moulaye Abdellah Stadium.
The Black Meteors’ start to the game was really poor and completely off allowing the Congolese to dominate every aspect in the early stages.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku in the 8th minute broke on a counter and raced into but his teasing cross met no connection and got tidied up by the opposition backline.
Fantastic team build two minutes after fell on the Borel Tomandzoto who turned just at the edge of the box to send a powerful hit but missed the target by inches.
Despite a series of exchanges, there was no goal registered as it ended goalless at half-time.
In the second half, Ghana with two quick substitutions as Emmanuel Yeboah and Hafiz Ibrahim were introduced for Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Simba Sylvester.
The change with an instant impact in just five minutes from the break as Ernest Nuamah tapped into the net from substitute Emmanuel Yeboah’s cross to give Ghana the lead.
In the 59th minute, the Congolese attacked with so much intent in search of the opener but Exauce Nzaou couldn’t go past David Oppong Afranie and resulted in a wasted corner kick.
Just four minutes later, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku nearly took the goalkeeper by surprise after coming off his line but his effort went off the goalpost that was close.
Ghana doubled their lead in the 75th minute through Emmanuel Yeboah who pounced on a defensive clanger.
Just three minutes after, Arko Mensah won a penalty for Ghana after he was penalized by Djigo Saikou. The culprit stepped over and had his kick saved.
The kick had to be taken again after the goalkeeper came off his line. Arko Mensah used the other direction and was saved but suffered another retaken after coming off the line once more.
The third kick was taken by Emmanuel Yeboah who converted nicely to snatch his brace and Ghana’s third of the day.
The Congolese scored twice in the space of a few minutes to make it 3-2 kind courtesy.
It ended 3-2 after full-time as Ghana grind all three maximum points.
