AFCON U-23- Ghana vs Congo confirmed lineups as Fatawu Issahaku and Barnieh lead attack
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Afriyei Barnieh lead Ghana’s attack in AFCON U-23 first game against Congo.
Ghana begin 2023 AFCON U-23 campaign with Congo in Group A second game at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Ghana boss Ibrahim Tanko has named his starting lineup against Congo with Sporting CP forward Abdul Fatawu Issahaku in the XI.
Former U-20 and current team captain Afriyie Barnieh has also been called into action against the Central African side.
Samuel Ashie Quaye has been ruled out for this game due to suspension after two yellow cards in the qualifiers.
Ghana XI: Ibrahim Danlad, Essel, Yegbe, Arko-Mensah, Oppong Afrane, Dominic Nsobila, Essiam, Simba, Ernest Nuamah, Abdel Fatawu, Afriyei Barnieh
Congo XI: Bissila Foutou, Saikou, Ndecket Bowamba, Nzaba, Malonga, Tomandzoto, Ngandziami Bandessi, Soussou Llendo, Osseby, Nzaou, Bintsouka
The competition began Saturday with hosts Morocco beating Guinea 2-1 in the opening day at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Guinea took the lead following Algassime Bah first half stoppage time strike before Abde Ezzalzouli struck twice from the spot to complete Morocco’s come-back win in the second half.
Cyril Ndonga speaks ahead of Ghana tie
Congo boss Cyril Ndonga spoke prior to the clash against Ghana stating the Congolese side is in Morocco to continue the nation’s fight in football matters.
“We arrived in Moroccan territory with noble ambitions. We have been drawn into a tough group. We must fight match after match with the same determination. It is true that our U-20 team came close to a historic qualification for their category’s World Cup. We have learned from that ‘failure.’ After the U-20 AFCON, we decided to work more on the mental aspect. The players are well-prepared for this new challenge,” Ndonga told CAF official website.
Ndonga continued: “We are neither challengers nor underdogs, nor favorites in this AFCON. That being said, we are aware of our progress and have strong arguments to make.”
Having participated in the CHAN and the U-20 AFCON, Prince Sousou, the striker for the team, does not want to experience another setback and is motivated by the prospect of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“Our presence is not a coincidence. We know we can achieve great things. Going to the Olympics is more than a dream for all of us. Participating in the greatest sporting event on Earth will be a source of pride for our homeland. Our careers will take a new trajectory. However, we must not get ahead of ourselves. Tomorrow, we face a formidable opponent, and we must remain focused and keep our objective in mind,” Sousou expressed.
