Black Satellites seal U-20 AFCON qualification with comeback win over Cote d’Ivoire

Jerry Afriyie scored the winning goal for the Black Satellites of Ghana as they beat Cote d’Ivoire to make the final of the ongoing WAFU B U-20 Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ghana recorded a 2-1 win against their West African counterparts at the end of 90 minutes in the semifinals on Sunday, October 27.

Desmond Ofei’s side came from behind to secure the all important win which sealed a return to the continental stage at the U-20 level.

Cote d’Ivoire scored the opening goal of the game early in the first half before Ghana drew level just before first half break.

Loukou Jaures broke the deadlock after just 18 minutes played before Ghana found the equaliser through an own goal.

The two teams went into the break with the score at 1-1.

However, it was Ghana who would go on to score after the break.

Afriyie, who had netted three goals already in the competition before Sunday afternoon’s fixture, stepped up to take a penalty after the Satellites were awarded a foul in the box.

Despite a late charge from the Ivorians, Ghana held on to register a 2-1 win and book a place in the competition’s final.

A place in the final also means the Black Satellites secure qualification to next year’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, their first since winning the competition in 2021.