Black Meteors suffer late defeat to Libya after controversial Dacosta red card

Ghana's Black Meteors suffered a 1-0 defeat to Libya in the first leg of their 2027 CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi on Wednesday.

The defeat came after a controversial dismissal of defender Antwi Dacosta, who received a second yellow card following an aerial challenge in which he was alleged to have elbowed an opponent.

Ghana were reduced to 10 men following the incident and eventually conceded a late goal, leaving them with a difficult task ahead of the return fixture.

Goalkeeper Gidios Aseako could have done better with the decisive effort, as he failed to hold a shot directed towards him and spilled the ball into his own net.

The late setback compounded Ghana's frustrations on a difficult evening, with head coach Desmond Ofei visibly unhappy with some of the referee's decisions during the encounter.

The Black Meteors now face a tough challenge when the two teams meet again in the second leg on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

Ghana must overturn the one-goal deficit to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 U-23 AFCON alive.

The team are also seeking a return to the Olympic Games men's football competition for the first time since Athens 2004, with the 2028 Los Angeles Games forming part of their long-term ambition.