U23 AFCON: The 5 Things We Learned As Ernest Nuamah, Emmanuel Yeboah Propel Ghana to Win

In a thrilling encounter at the ongoing U23 Africa Cup of Nations, the Black Meteors of Ghana held off Congo's late rally to secure a victory in a five-goal spectacle.

With Morocco starting the tournament with a win, Ghana, semifinalists in 2019, understood the importance of securing a win against debutants Congo.

Although Ibrahim Tanko's team's 3-2 victory may raise some doubts about their overall performance, the crucial factor was their ability to withstand their opponents' pressure.

In this Sports Brief analysis, we delve into five key takeaways from the third match of the ongoing U23 AFCON, which also serves as qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

1. Emmanuel Yeboah, the X-factor

The lanky forward, who has been touted as the next Asamoah Gyan, proved to be the protagonist for Ghana's stunning three-goal blitz in the second half.

The CFR Cluj striker had a hand in all three of Ghana's goals, scoring twice and setting up Ernest Nuamah for the game's opener.

His game-changing impact puts him in pole position to start for the Black Meteors ahead of captain and former Hearts of Oak forward Daniel Afriyie Barnieh in their next encounter.

2. Swift substitutions save Ghana

Coach Ibrahim Tanko's decision to effect changes at the start of the second half turned the tie in favour of the West Africans.

The former Cameroon assistant coach swapped Emmanuel Yeboah and Hafiz Ibrahim for Afriyie Barnieh and Sylvester Simba, respectively.

His decision proved to be a tactical masterstroke as Yeboah proved the catalyst to Ghana's goals while Hafiz added more steel to the hitherto loose midfield.

3. Penalty ghost still haunts Ghana

The Black Meteors were a kick away from securing a place at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games; however, Ghana's ill luck with penalties reared its ugly head.

Three years later, the cycle threatened to continue when the Black Meteors were twice denied from the penalty spot by Congolese goalkeeper Dhody Fotou.

But for the eagle eyes of the referee, Ibrahim Tanko's men were presented with a third chance which super-sub Emmanuel Yeboah converted.

4. Congo undone by experience

The Congolese will look at the game and feel they deserve more from the match. The Central African side were clearly the better side in the first half.

But Ghana's experience counted in the second stanza with three goals, and despite their late rally, it proved inconsequential.

The Black Meteors held on to seal their first win of the competition and share the top spot with hosts Morocco on three points.

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5. Ghana is soft defensively

Although the Black Meteors secured the win and consequently all three points, the West Africans should thank their stars.

Throughout the game, the Black Meteors were unconvincing when called upon to defend and had their opponents being a little clinical upfront. The scoreline could have read differently.

The soft nature of Ghana's weak defensive line was evidenced in stoppage time when a combination of lax defending and complacency saw the defence ship two goals in a space of a minute.