Ghana survived an early scare to overcome Uganda in the final of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott and win the title for a fourth time.
The West Africans won the game on Saturday 2-0 with the final being billed as a “David vs Goliath” battle as the then three-time former champions faced off against the East Africans who made an impressive run to the final in their maiden appearance.
Leading scorer Derrick Kakooza and Isma Mugulusi missed chances early on for Uganda prompting a sharp response from the Ghananians who were denied twice by the woodwork.
Captain Daniel Afriyie then punished the Ugandans for their profligacy when he stole in at the near post to head in a corner by Abdul Fatawu Issahaku halfway through the first half.
Brimming with confidence, the Ghanaians pushed forward and were duly rewarded just six minutes into the second half. Afriyie, again, got his name on the score sheet with a simple tap-in after Percious Boah was fed by Fatawu, who had won the ball in midfield.
Though Uganda tried to claw their way back into the game, they failed to do so partly due to some poor finishing.
Ghana held on to record a memorable victory which coincidentally fell on the day of the country’s 64th Independence Day anniversary. Ghana is now level on four titles with Egypt and three behind record winners Nigeria.
After the match, Ghana coach Abdul Karim Zito expressed his joy at succeeding in delivering the promise of winning the continental title on Independence Day.
“We came into this tournament as champions from WAFU B and we promised Ghanaians we are coming to perform, and take the ultimate. Before this match, I said the only thing I can do for my President on the day Ghanaians are celebrating Independence is to win this title,” told CAF’s media team.
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