AFCON U23: Black Mateors escape late Congo scare to win opener

Ghana’s U23 team, the Black Meteors are off to a winning start at the Africa U23 Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Congo.

Having led the game 3-0 till the 90th minute, Ghana were handed a late scare as the Congolese side scored twice in a minute to pull two goals back.

Following a barren first half, the Black Meteors raced into the lead just five minutes after the break following a brilliant play from the team, which saw Fatawu Issahaku squeeze a pass to second-half substitute Emmanuel Yeboah, who laid the ball to Ernest Nuamah for the opener.

Yeboah went from provider to scorer after pouncing on a passing from Isahaku, beating off his marker before slotting home for Ghana’s second.

With seven minutes remaining, the Black Meteors extended their lead in dramatic circumstance after they were made to take a penalty three times, the first two by Arko Mensah had to be cancelled after the Congolese goalkeeper went off his line. Yeboah then took responsibility, making no mistake from the spot.

Congo produce a strong finish to the game after Rich Kokolo header home in the 93rd minute before Yann Ngatse added the second a minute later.

Ghana will next face host Morocco while Congo engage Guinea, who lost their first game 2-1.

The Black Meteors are hoping to make a return to the Olympic Games by finishing as one of the top three teams at the tournament in Morocco.

The 23-year-old signed a four-year deal to join the treble winners from rivals Spartak Subotica.

Addo, who was part of the Black Stars team for the AFCON qualifier against Madagascar on Sunday, has been on the radar of Red Star since last season.