Ghana Out of U20 World Cup

Ghana’s Black Satellites have missed the chance to qualify for the U20 FIFA World Cup after a painful penalty shootout defeat to Egypt in the quarterfinals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The match ended 2-2 in regulation time, but Egypt won 5-4 on penalties to secure a semifinal spot and a ticket to the World Cup in Chile.

Ghana went into the game knowing a win would guarantee automatic qualification for the World Cup. But playing against the host nation, Egypt, proved to be a tough challenge.

The game started slowly, with both teams being cautious. Egypt then took control and scored first after 19 minutes. A long ball from Ahmed Sharaf caught Ghana’s defence off guard, allowing Momen Sherif to score. Just eight minutes later, Sherif scored again, this time running onto a pass from Abdullah Bostangy and beating the Ghanaian defenders.

Ghana found a way back when Aziz Issah scored from long range, a shot the Egyptian goalkeeper misjudged. Ghana then equalized through a penalty, confidently taken by Hakim Sulemana.

The match remained level through extra time, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Egypt edged Ghana 5-4, ending the Black Satellites’ hopes of playing at the World Cup.

Before the match, Sports Minister Kofi Adams had expressed confidence in the team, praising their performance and urging them to make Ghana proud.

“This U-20 team has done well so far,” he told Asempa FM. “We just pray luck is on their side.”

Despite the loss, many believe the team showed promise and fought bravely. Egypt, four-time AFCON champions, now move on to the semifinals and prepare for the World Cup.