Ghana U-20 men’s national team, the Black Satellites, have been crowned champions of the 2023 African Games after beating Uganda 1-0 in the final on Friday.
Jerry Afriyie became the hero of the day as his only goal of the game secured the gold medal for Ghana.
The Satellites had an impressive start to the game, mounting pressure on the Ugandans, which led to Desmond Offei’s men scoring on the 6th-minute mark but had the goal denied after the referee spotted an infringement on Uganda’s goalkeeper.
But Uganda grew stronger into the game as Ghana’s goalkeeper, Saeed Yakubu stopped Mustafa Kizza’s left-footed long-range effort from finding the back of the net in the 33rd minute.
The first half ended goalless, despite both teams creating some chances.
After the break, both teams continued the search for the opening goal, with Jerry Afriyie coming close again on the 60-minute mark with a flying long-range effort over the goalpost.
Five minutes later, Jerry Afriyie had another goal disallowed after he pounced a corner which was whipped into the 18-yard box.
But just as it seemed the game was travelling into extra time, Jerry Afriyie again, scored the winner for Ghana, throwing the supporters into a frenzy of cheering and singing.