Morocco 0-0 Ghana: Satellite qualification to U-20 Afcon quarter-finals delayed after Morocco stalemate in Nouadhibou
Ghana have drew with Morocco in Nouadhibou to delay qualification to the quarter-finals of Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania.
Ghana opened a strong start to the African Youth Champions, whipping Tanzania three days ago before meeting Morocco in their second game on Friday evening.
Thanks to a brace from Precious Boah, Ishaiku’s wonderful drive from deep midfield and Barnes solo goal that handed Ghana the heavy victory in their opening game. Morocco edged past Gambia in the other fixture.
A win for Ghana or Morocco today would see any of them qualify to the quarter-finals of the competition but the drew means they have to wait for last group stage games.
The West African ad North African sides look favorites to qualify with clash against low sides Gambia and Tanzania proving a no worry. Gambia and Tanzania have a point each after they drew 1-1 earlier the day.
With the evening game coming as a difficult contest for both Ghana and Morocco, the first 45’ minutes ended in goalless draw. Though Ghana dominated possession from start to finish in the first half, fewer clear cut chances were created.
The North African side looked the most dangerous side with the few chances they managed to create as Mohamed Amine Essahel rose onto Ayman Ouhatti’s cross in stoppage time but the forward’s header missed the post by an inch.
The header was the last kick of the first half as Ghana were left lucky for the third clear-cut time in the game.
The second half was almost the same story from the first half as while Ghana keep the ball better, Morocco were ever dangerous when they attack.
Morocco boss Zakaria Aboub would be a happy man when his tactics got one of the tournament favorites Ghana confused early in the second half.
In fact, Ghana were left limbo getting to the close of the first half failing to put their passes together. Despite that, Morocco gave much respect to the West African side after Aboub men failing to capitalized on Ghana’s sloppy play.
Few minutes later, Abdul Karim Zito introduced Matthew Anim Cudjoe wide on the left but the former Asante Kotoko man was carefully dealt with as the game finally ended 0-0 in Stade Municipal de Nouadhibou.
Ghana still top group C with 4 points 4 goals while Morocco follow with 4 points plus a goal after today’s clash. Ghana will face Gambia as Morocco take on Tanzania in the last group games.
Connect with Futball Surgery
