U-23 AFCON: South Africa 2-2 Ghana (6-5 on penalties), S.A edge past Ghana in third-place clash
After agonizingly falling to Ivory Coast on penalties in the semifinals of the U-23 AFCON, Ghana have been subjected to the pains of penalty shootout once again by South Africa who have by not a matter of chance but a deserving performance throughout all stages of the game booked a place in summer’s Olympic Games.
The Black Meteors had a last gasp against David Notoane’s side to breath into 2020 Tokyo Olympics but an own goal inside the first 15 minutes created a rave of tension on Ghana in the first half.
The South Africans run a very better performance against Ghana in the first 35 minutes of the third-place clash in Cairo International Stadium. A blueprint of how Ivory Coast dominated Meteors in the first half of the semifinal replicated at itself this afternoon, with South Africa dominating every aspect of the first half.
In fact, every minute passed by was a chance creation for Notoane’s side as the Ghana defense were struggling to keep hold on electrifying Grant Magerman, Luther Singh and Lyle Forster. The Young Bafana Bafana could have incurred a 3-0 deficit to Ghana in the first 45’ minutes after Luther Singh shot from right edge had deflected Habib Mohammed into Ghana’s net on the 15’ minute.
Ghana have been brilliant in second halves of this tournament where they have stretched Egypt, Mali and Ivory Coast despite falling to the hosts and the Elephants. They continued their second half magic which was solemnly inspired by skillful Evans Mensah. The tricky winger sent in a long range screamer from outside the box to put Ghana on level five minutes into the second half.
Substitute Kamohelo Mahlatsi restored South African’s lead on 62’ minute before Samuel Obeng once again bring Ghana up to the leveler when it was 5 minutes to full time. Ghana had looked the better side in the last 10 minutes to the goal, creating difficult moments for the Young Bafana Bafana defense to deal with.
Credit goes to Evans Mensah, the dribbling magician, who had turned South Africa left-back in and out down the right flank for a couple of times before sending the ball across goal, South Africa keeper Mondli Mpoto failed to clear the lines which saw Samuel Obeng whirled around to slot in.
There was no extra-time, South Africa went on to win 6-5 on penalties. Tercious Repo Malepe’s first kick went over the bar so as Katlego Mohamme’s effort was saved by Kwame Baah. However, Grant Margeman, Thendo Mukumela, Luther Singh, Athenkosi Dlala, Kobamelo Kodisang and Lyle Foster kicks were good enough to beat Kwame Baah.
On the side of Ghana, Emmnuel Lomotey , Evans Mensah , Abass Issah , Samuel Obeng, Fuseini Zakaria converted their kicks but Kingsley Fobi, Edward Sarpong and Emmanuel Cudjoe missed their kicks for Ghana.
South Africa have won the bronze price which their third-place triumph together with Egypt and Ivory Coast will represent Africa in Tokyo 2020 Olmpic Games.
