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Black Meteors coach Ibrahim Tanko has expressed his disappointment following Ghana’s early elimination from the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Despite accumulating four points from three games, Ghana failed to advance to the next stage of the tournament. Their hopes were dashed on Friday night as they were unable to secure a victory against Guinea, resulting in Guinea progressing while the Black Meteors’ dreams of qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games came to an end.

Tanko admitted, “I think we disappointed Ghanaians and ourselves but we give thanks to God in every situation and like I said we will analyze and know what didn’t go well,” Tanko said in a post-match press conference.

Guinea proved to be the superior team, securing a 1-1 draw and advancing to the semi-finals alongside Group A leaders Morocco.

Despite both teams entering the match with three points, Guinea held the advantage with a superior goal difference, knowing that a draw would secure their progression.

Ghana took the lead through a superb finish from forward Emmanuel Yeboah, who capitalized on defensive errors by Guinea. However, Ghana’s defensive struggles continued, and in the 60th minute, Ibrahima Breze’s well-executed volley earned Guinea a well-deserved equalizer.

Asamoah Gyan, the recently-retired Ghanaian striker and the country’s all-time top scorer, did not hold back in his criticism of the national U23 men’s team following their disappointing exit from the CAF U23 Nations Cup in Morocco on Friday, June 30, 2023.

Despite having promising talents like Fatawu Ishahaku and Ernest Nuamah in the squad, the Black Meteors could only manage a 1-1 draw against Guinea in their final group match, resulting in their elimination from the competition with four points.

Expressing his disappointment, Gyan took to his Twitter page to express his thoughts on the team’s performance, particularly highlighting what he perceived as some players’ inflated egos and a lack of collective effort.

“What I observed in this Black Meteors team is that some players believe they are bigger than the entire team. Is it just a small amount of hype and fame? SMH,” the former Sunderland and Al Ain star posted.

He further added, “Modern football is not just about what you do with the ball. It’s about what you do without the ball. I see players thinking they can play alone. It’s time for us to wake up and defend when we lose possession. SMH.”

Ghana and Guinea both finished with four points, but Ghana’s inferior goal difference led to their elimination from the tournament.

Ghana’s hopes in the ongoing Africa U-23 Cup of Nations were dashed as they were eliminated from the tournament after a 1-1 draw against Guinea in their final group game at the Grande Stade of Tangier.

Both teams approached the game cautiously, studying each other’s tactics before making any significant moves.

Guinea had their first promising chance in the 25th minute, but captain Fofana’s strike went wide, resulting in a restart.

Ghana responded six minutes later when Samuel Ashie Quaye delivered a tantalizing cross from the right, narrowly missing the target with Emmanuel Yeboah’s attempt.

Ghana eventually took the lead in the 33rd minute through Emmanuel Yeboah, who scored a beautiful goal after a brilliant combination with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku. It was Yeboah’s third goal of the tournament.

In the second half, Guinea came back strongly with two dangerous opportunities from set-pieces, but failed to convert them into goals.

On the 61st minute, Guinea equalized through skipper Ibrahima Fofana, who struck a powerful shot from a loose clearance, fulfilling their quest for an equalizer.

In the 77th minute, Ghana had a chance to regain the lead as Emmanuel Essiam made a blistering run to set up Ernest Nuamah in the box, but his curling shot was saved by goalkeeper Mory Keita.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw after full time, resulting in Guinea and Morocco advancing from Group A, while Ghana painfully exited the competition.

Ghana’s U23 Head Coach, Ibrahim Tanko, has implemented some changes to the starting lineup for Ghana’s third group match against Guinea in the TotalEnergies U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

In a bid to secure a victory and qualify for the next stage of the competition, Tanko has included Samuel Abbey-Ashie Quaye and Nathaniel Adjei in the starting XI for today’s crucial game.

Captain Afriyie Barnieh, who had previously been sidelined, has returned to the starting lineup and will be partnering with Emmanuel Yeboah in the attack.

The match is scheduled to commence at 9 PM local time (8 PM GMT).

Here is Ghana’s starting XI against Guinea:

In the final Group A match of the TotalEnergies U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Friday, June 30, 2023, Ghana will face the host nation, Guinea, at the Grand Stade of Tangier.

The Black Meteors are coming off a tough 5-1 defeat against Morocco in their previous game, putting them in a must-win situation to secure a spot in the knockout rounds of the tournament.

Head Coach Ibrahim Tanko is expected to make some slight changes to the team’s lineup for this crucial match.

Budding goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad is anticipated to maintain his place in goal, aiming to deliver a solid performance.

Samuel Ashie Quaye is likely to come in at right-back, replacing Aaron Essel, while Edmond Arko Mensah will continue as the left-back. David Oppong Afrane is set to retain his position at center-back, while Nathaniel Adjei will replace Terry Yegbe.

In midfield, Dominic Nsobila is expected to retain his position, joined by Emmanuel Essiam and Abass Samari Salifu, adding depth and creativity to the team.

The attacking trio will be led by Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and Ernest Nuamah, aiming to produce a formidable and potent offensive force.

With a determined lineup, Ghana is ready to give their all in the match against Guinea, as they seek to advance to the next stage of the tournament.

Kickoff

The game will start at 20:00 GMT (8pm).

Here’s how the Meteors could line up:

Goalkeeper: Danlad Ibrahim

Defenders: Samuel Ashie Quaye, Ako Mensah, Nathaniel Agyei, David Oppong

Midfielders: Emmanuel Essiam, Abass Samari, Dominic Nsobila

Forwards: Ernest Nuamah, Fatawu Issahaku, Afriyie Barnieh