Ghana have taken a step closer to defend their African Under-20 title by beating Nigeria 4-1 yesterday to qualify for the semi-finals. It also means the Black Satellites have secured their passage to the Under-20 World Cup finals in Argentina later this year.
Sulley Muntari scored twice for Ghana, as his side took a 3-0 lead before half-time. The 16-year-old defender put the Satellites ahead after three minutes from a close range scissors kick to finish a rebound. Muntari scored the third goal three minutes to the break, beating two defenders inside the penalty box before taking a hard low shot past keeper, Bamidele Aiyenugba.
Midfielder, Stephen Oduro had put Ghana 2-0 up nine minutes into the match when he blasted a shot to the top angle of the post.
Nigeria pulled a goal back through substitute John Ofomba in the 67th minute and the Flying Eagles missed a penalty early in the second-half, but Bartholomew Ogbeche was denied by Ghanaian keeper, Maxwell Owusu-Banahene.
Ghana added the fourth goal in the 68th minute through Denmark-based Razak Pinpong. Charles Taylor chipped a cross inside the penalty box for Razak to head into the net after Aiyenugba had left the goal line.
Nigeria face Angola on Sunday in ? battle to decide which team will probably join Ghana in the semi-finals. Mali are also in contention after drawing 2-2 with Angola in the first match on Thursday. It was Mali's second draw of the tournament.
Mali twice came from behind to draw level with Angola, who only have a point from the two matches. Angolan skipper, Graca Amaral opened the scoring for his side from the penalty spot after Viana Mendonca was fouled.
Star player Mantorras was on target with Angola's second after 58 minutes from a narrow angle. Mali had equalised through Djibril Sidibe in the 36th minute and Cheick Oumar Dabo tied the game with the Malians second goal late in the game.
Ghana lead with six points and the Satellites match on Sunday will only be crucial for the Malians who need to win. Whatever happens Ghana will finish as winners of group B.
Group B results/standings:
Ghana 4-1 Nigeria
Mali 2-2 Angola
Nigeria 0-0 Mali
Ghana 1-0 Angola
P W D L GF GA Pts
Ghana 2 2 - - 5 1 6
Mali 2 - 2 - 2 2 2
Angola 2 - 1 1 2 3 1
Nigeria 2 - 1 1 1 4 1
