All African Games 2023
U20 Men’s Football Final – Friday, March 22, 2024.
Ghana 1-0 Uganda
Jerry Afriyie was the star of the day as Ghana U20 snatched a late victory in the 1-0 win over Uganda U20 (1-0) to win boys’ football at the 2023 Africa Games final at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.
Afriyie broke Uganda Hippos’ resolve on the 90th-minute mark after his heavy-weighed shot from outside the goal area beat goalkeeper Abdu Mahada on the near post.
Despite Ghana having two goals disallowed for infringement, the atmosphere remained charged with anticipation.
Amidst mounting pressure, buoyed by unwavering home support, the Ugandan team displayed commendable resilience and discipline, particularly in midfield and defense. However, luck ultimately favoured Ghana.
In a dramatic turn of events, on the brink of the 90th minute, Jerry Afriyie unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the 18-yard box, eluding the exceptional Ugandan goalkeeper and sealing Ghana’s victory.
The Ghanaian goal came agonizingly late for the Ugandans, leaving them insufficient time to mount a comeback as the game concluded after an additional four minutes of extra time.
The ecstatic home fans erupted into wild jubilation as Ghana clinched the gold, while Uganda settled for the silver medal. Meanwhile, Senegal secured the bronze medal.
The loss re-echoed history as Uganda lost its third consecutive continental final to Ghana. Same was the fate at the 2021 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania when Uganda Hippos lost to the Black Satellites.
And yet again, Uganda’s tormentor Daniel Afriyie scored twice for Ghana to win 2-0 at the Stade Olympique in Nouakchott.
In 1978, Uganda reached its first and only Africa Cup of Nations final before falling to hosts Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium 2-0 thanks to goals from the late Opoku Afriyie.
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