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In a thrilling encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, June 25, 2023, CFR Cluj striker Emmanuel Yeboah made a significant impact off the bench, scoring two goals and providing an assist to lead Ghana’s U-23 national team, the Black Meteors, to a dramatic 3-2 victory over debutants Congo in their opening match of the 2023 U-23 AFCON tournament.
The first half saw Ghana struggling as Congo dominated proceedings. However, the newcomers failed to capitalize on their chances, and the teams entered the break with a goalless scoreline.
During halftime, head coach Ibrahim Tanko made two key substitutions that turned the tide of the game in Ghana’s favor. Yeboah came on for Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, while Hafiz Ibrahim replaced Sylvester Simba.
Just five minutes after the substitutions, Ghana took the lead through a brilliant sequence of play. Fatawu Issahaku found Yeboah, who then set up Ernest Nuamah for a simple tap-in at the far post.
Yeboah continued to make an impact and doubled Ghana’s advantage in the 75th minute with a composed finish after a superb run to evade his marker.
The Black Meteors maintained control of the game and were awarded a penalty when left-back Edmund Arko-Mensah was tripped inside the box. Arko-Mensah stepped up to take the penalty but missed. However, a VAR review showed that the goalkeeper, Bissila, had moved off his line before the kick, leading to a retake.
Arko-Mensah’s second attempt was also saved, but the referee ordered yet another retake due to the same offense by Bissila, who received a booking this time. Yeboah stepped up confidently and made no mistake, extending Ghana’s lead to a comfortable 3-0 in the 83rd minute.
Despite the commanding lead, Congo refused to surrender easily and staged a late comeback. Reich Kokolo and Yann Ngatse scored two quick stoppage-time goals to reduce the deficit, making for a nervy ending to the match.
Ultimately, the Black Meteors held on to secure the much-needed victory, placing them at the top of Group A. Ghana and Morocco are level on points with three each, but goal difference currently separates the two teams. Congo and Guinea occupy the third and fourth positions in the group standings, respectively.
Ghana’s next challenge will be against Morocco in their second group-stage match on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
