African Games: Ghana Pips Benin to Book Semi Final Spot in Men’s Football Tournament

• Ghana are into the semi-finals of the African Games
• The Black Satellites edged Benin 1-0 to top Group A
• They will face the runners-up of Group B in their next game

Ghana's U-20 football team continued their pursuit for gold in men's football at the 2023 African Games by pipping Benin in their final Group A match, sealing a spot in the semi-finals.

The Black Satellites, who came off the back of a scintillating display against the Gambia, continued their winning run with a 1-0 victory against the Young Squirrels on Friday evening.

With a spot in the last four up for grabs, both sides stepped into the ultimate group game with huge expectations, knowing a win would secure a place in the next round.

How Ghana pipped the Young Squirrels of Benin

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Buoyed by the vociferous home crowd, Ghana began the tie on the front foot, but it was Benin who got the game's first shot on target when they pounced on some slack defending from the Black Satellites but were repelled by the goalkeeper.

It was a wake-up call for the home side as they upped the ante in search of the opener. However, a mixture of indecision, profligacy, and some resolute defending kept coach Desmond Offei's side at bay.

Benin's physicality proved to be a tough nut to crack for the sleek Ghanaian team, whose 'liquid' brand of football became checkered due to the robust nature of their opponents.

But a quick transition from defence to attack set Aziz Musibau up, who delivered a Luka Modric-esque outside-of-the-foot pass to Jerry Afriyie.

The forward made no mistake by nutmegging the onrushing goalkeeper to draw first blood for Ghana, much to the cheer of the crowd, who were hungry for a goal.

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There were no further additions to the scoreline as the West African powerhouse held on to halftime.

After recess, it was a more balanced affair between the two sides with no clear sight of goal. Benin would count themselves unlucky after a couple of attempts.

Especially in the game's dying embers when the Ghanaian team appeared tired with wayward passing and some dodgy defending.

Nonetheless, they picked up their second successive win, most importantly securing a spot in the last four. They will now face the runners-up of Group B in the semi-finals of the ongoing competition.

Ghana’s Jackson earns bronze despite winning

Sports Brief recently explained why Ghana's swimming captain, Abeiku Jackson, only earned a bronze medal despite winning the men's 100m butterfly in swimming.

The Ghanaian star won the race, clocking a time of 53.80 seconds, but wasn’t quick enough to be Egypt's Nasr Abdalla (53.29s) and Eaton Jarden (53.45s).

Thanks to his performance, the host nation, Ghana, won five medals. They earned one gold medal, three silver medals, and a bronze medal and are looking to improve on their 2019 tally.