U23 AFCON : Match report: Ghana 2-0 Mali – Kwabena Owusu’s brace fires Meteors to the Semis

Black Meteors defeated Mali by 2-0 to qualify to the semi finals of the ongoing U23 African Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Two late goals from susbtitute Kwabena Owusu secured the victory for Ibrahim Tanko’s side.

Coming into the game and knowing his side still has a chance of qualification, Tanko made on change to the team that started against Egypt.

Prince Polley was given his first start ahead Kwabena Owusu

Mali had a good start to the game and could have get the opener in as early as the 4th minute, but Tine was twice denied by the impressive Kwame Baah.

The Black Meteors grew up in the game began to take control of the game.

The Malians came close again in the 30th minute, but Allio Dieng effort was saved again by Kwame Baah.

Despite dominating the first half of the game, Mali couldn’t get the breakthrough till the blast of the half time whistle.

Ghana came from recess with an improved performance.

Yaw Yeboah came close to give Ghana the lead but his effort went wide.

Coach Ibrahim Tanko effected the first substitution of the game by bringing on Kwabena Owusu for Prince Polley.

Yaw Yeboah also went off for Frank Arhin as Ghana pushed for the opener.

Ghana finally had the breakthrough in the 74th minute, Kingsley Fobi crossed found Kwabena Owusu who headed home to give Ghana the lead.

Kwabena Owusu added the second for Ghana with four minute to go, capitalizing from a defensive howler to put the ball at the back of the net.

Ghana maintained their lead till the blast of the final whistle.

Whlith Egypt beating Cameroon in other game, Ghana joins Egypt in the semi finals of the competition.