Ghana’s U23 side the Black Meteors managed a 3-2 win over their Congolese counterparts as they kick start the African cup of Nations with a win.
Two crucial goals from substitute Emmanuel Yeboah was enough as Black Meteors sailed through in a nervy victory.
Ghana had a promising start to the game when Ernest Nuamah put through Afriyie Barnieh twice under 5 minute to put Ghana in front but the former Hearts of Oak striker couldn’t find the back of the net.
Ghana made two changes after the break as Ibrahim Tanko looks to get more from his team. Emmanuel Yeboah replaced Afriyie Barnieh.
Ernest Nuamah responded positively when he was put through by substitute Emmanuel Yeboah five minutes after the break to put Ghana in the lead.
Yeboah doubled the lead for Ghana with 15 minutes to end regulation time after dashing past his marker with a beautiful finish.
The lanky forward sped past his marker with a nice chest control, kept his composure and balance and slotted the ball into the lower left corner of the post to give Ghana a 2-0 advantage.
With 1o minutes to end proceedings, Edmund Arkoh Mensah was brought down in the Congolese goal area.
Edmund elected himself to take the spot kick but his attempt was saved twice when it was ruled the Congo goalkeeper moved before the kicks.
Emmanuel Yeboah took the kick on the third attempt and swerved the Congo goalkeeper to give Ghana a 3-0 advantage.
The Congolese responded with a beautiful header from Reich Kokolo 3 minutes into additional time to reduce the tally.
Inspired by Kokolo’s goal, Congo scored their second goal just a minute after their first through Yann Ngatse to but Ghana on. Knife’s edge.
But the Black Meteors defended the remaining 3 minutes to end the game 3-2 making Yeboah the hero of the game.
Ghana takes on hosts Morocco in their next game.
