Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris were dashed on Friday when the Black Meteors failed to defeat Guinea in a must-win match in Tangier.
Guinea proved to be the superior team, earning a 1-1 draw and advancing to the semi-finals alongside Group A leaders Morocco.
Despite both teams entering the match with three points, Guinea held the advantage with a superior goal difference, knowing that a draw would secure their progression. In contrast, Ghana found themselves in desperate need of a victory, and had their defensive efforts been more resolute, Ibrahim Tanko’s men could have celebrated a different outcome.
Emmanuel Yeboah, the talented forward from CFR Cluj, capitalised on a series of defensive errors by Guinea, showcasing his skills with a superb finish to give Ghana the lead.
However, Ghana’s defensive woes persisted, as they conceded their eighth goal in just three games. In the 60th minute, Ibrahima Breze’s well-executed volley earned Guinea a well-deserved equaliser.
QUALIFIED ✅
Guinea book their ticket to join Morocco in the semi-finals ?️ #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 pic.twitter.com/guqOzbY24V
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 ? (@CAF_Online) June 30, 2023
The Guinean team displayed exceptional passing skills and resolute defending to secure their place in the last four.
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Ghana’s hopes of competing in the Olympic Games have now been postponed for another four years. The Ghanaian men’s football team made history as the first African team to win an Olympic medal in 1992 but has not participated in the summer games since 2004.
This disappointing outcome may also mark the end of Ibrahim Tanko’s tenure as the coach of the Black Meteors, as he also failed to qualify the team for the Olympic Games four years ago in Egypt.