Ghana defeats Uganda to win fourth AFCON U-20 title

Ghana survived an early scare to beat Uganda in the final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania’s capital Nouakchott and win the title for the fourth time.

The West Africans won the match 2-0 on Saturday and the final was announced as a “David vs. Goliath” battle as the then three-time former champions took on the East Africans, who made an impressive run to the final in their first appearance. .

Top scorer Derrick Kakooza and Isma Mugulusi missed opportunities early on for Uganda, prompting a strong response from the Ghanaians, who were turned away twice by wood.

Captain Daniel Afriyie then chastised the Ugandans for their extravagance when he sneaked into the first post to head off Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s corner midway through the first half.

Full of confidence, the Ghanaians advanced and were duly rewarded within six minutes of the second half. Afriyie, again, put his name on the score sheet with a simple tap-in after Percious Boah was fed by Fatawu, who had won the ball in midfield.

Although Uganda tried to fight their way back into the game, they were unsuccessful in part due to some poor results.

Ghana stood by to record a memorable victory that coincided with the 64th anniversary of the country’s Independence Day. Ghana is now tied for four titles with Egypt and three behind the record-winning Nigeria.

After the match, Ghana’s coach Abdul Karim Zito expressed his joy at fulfilling the promise of winning the continental title on Independence Day.

“We came to this tournament as WAFU B champions and we promised Ghanaians that we would come to perform and take the best. Before this match, I said that the only thing I can do for my President on the day Ghanaians celebrate their Independence is to win this title, ”he told the CAF press team.