The Black Satellites of Ghana beat Uganda 2-0 on Saturday to claim Ghana’s fourth Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations title.
Goals from captain Daniel Afriyie Barnieh in each half cemented Black Satellites’ win at the Stade Olympique de Nouakchott to climax Ghana’s 64th Independence Day celebration.
President Nana Akufo-Addo took to Twitter to congratulate the boys, saying he looks forward to receiving them at the Jubilee House.
Kudos to the team, and I look forward to receiving the playing, technical and management teams to Jubilee House. 2/2
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) March 7, 2021
Vice-president Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also sent his heartfelt congratulatory message to the team, adding the win was a “perfect gift to commemorate our Independence Day.”
Congratulations to Black Satellites of Ghana for winning the 2021 Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
You have given Ghana a perfect gift to commemorate our Independence Day.
We are proud of you. pic.twitter.com/qfipRmK1A5
— Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (@MBawumia) March 6, 2021
Early onslaught
An early onslaught by the Ugandans was quickly halted by the Black Satellites as Patrick Baffour and Emmanuel Essiam both hit the post in the 11th minute.
Coach Karim Zito’s side then dominated the game and two quick corner kicks one of which was quickly connected by Afriyie Barnieh to give Ghana a lead on the 21st minute mark.
Patrick Mensah could have doubled Ghana’s lead in the 31st minute but his shot from the edge of the box went straight to the goalkeeper.
The first half ended with Barnieh’s goal being the difference between the two sides.
The Black Satellites returned from the break with a clear determination to double their lead and confirm their dominance in the game.
Barnieh got a brace in the game after latching on to a pass from Percious Boah to slot home and give the Black Satellites 2-0 lead.
Coach Karim Zito introduced fresh legs Emmanuel Agyeman Duah, Matthew Anim Cudjoe and Frank Boateng to consolidate Ghana’s lead.
Agyemang Duah came close to adding to Ghana’s lead after his long range shot was saved by the Ugandan goalkeeper.
The game ended with Ghana emerging as winners of Champions of Africa for the fourth time, after winning the competition in 1993, 1999 and 2009.
MVP
Afriyie Barnieh was adjudged the Most Valuable Player in the match after scoring twice to give Ghana a win in the game.
At the end of the tournament, Ghana’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku emerged as the Player of the Tournament with Goalkeeper Ibrahim Danladi also grabbing the Golden Gloves.
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