Ibrahim Tanko explains why Ghana is the best second half team in U-23 AFCON ahead of Semifinal clash against Ivory Coast
The Ghana Black Meteors take on Ivory Coast in the Semi-finals of the Africa U-23 Nations Cup at Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, after showing off some impressive displays in the group stage to ensure qualification to the last four.
Ghana have been tremendous throughout their games so far but second half performances of these games have been remarkable and extraordinary- making Meteors arguably one of the second half best teams in the tournament, collecting all 4 points that saw them through to the semifinals in second 45’ minutes against Cameroon and Mali.
Ghana got the equalizer against Cameroon on the 87’ minute in their opening game before seeing of Mali in the second half to claim their first three points in their last group game.
Though Ghana suffered a slim 2-3 defeat in the hands of hosts Egypt in their second game, Meteors got the better of the Young Pharaohs right in the start of the second half, but only two last minute goals from Ramadan Sobhi and Ahmed Yasser Rayan produced a roller coaster for Meteors at the end of 90 minutes.
Ivory Coast is the next team to meet Ghana in the semi-finals of the ongoing tournament, and could face the second half magic of Meteors on Tuesday afternoon.
Meteors splendid second half performances may not come by chance as boss Ibrahim Tanko has revealed the secrete behind Meteor’s fine second half performances in their U-23 AFCON campaign.
“As a coach, my technical team and I try to identify the weaknesses of our opponents in the first half of our matches and strategize for the second half. That is why in every second half we come out stronger and fight for a win”.
“Mentally, my team goes into every match expecting to win and are physically prepared for the upcoming matches”. Tanko disclosed during the pre-match interview ahead of Ivory Coast clash.
It has been revealed that Tanko’s second half tactics have been driving Meteors to success in the ongoing competition and would have to pass another big test in the semifinals against Ivory Coast before they can achieve the bigger glory.
Tanko also admitted that his side is going to face a difficult game when meet tactical Ivory Coast at Cairo International Stadium but his side will progress to the final on Friday.
“I’ve watched Ivory Coast matches especially the last game with my technical team and we are expecting a tactical game tomorrow because the teams will not want to make mistakes” said Ibrahim Tanko.
“They are a very strong side and we all play a similar style of football because we are neighbors. It’s going to be a very good game and tough for both countries. We need to pay attention to details and identify their flaws so that we take advantage of it, the boss added.
“For us it is a half-final because a win will give us a chance to qualify to the Olympics and to play in the final match. We will not underrate any of the four semi-finalists but will do everything possible to achieve our target of qualifying to Olympic Games and win this competition”, Tanko concluded.
Meteors will have a ticket to 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games when they beat Ivory Coast on Tuesday afternoon.
