By Simon Asare
Accra, Oct. 18, GNA – Ghana’s national U-20 team, the Black Satellites, opened their campaign at the WAFU Zone B Championship with a draw against Benin at the Stade de Kegue, Lome, Togo.
Jerry Afriyie opened the scoring for the Black Satellites in the 14th minute, but they were pegged back in the 26th minute after an excellent header from Benin defender Modeste Konoudji.
Desmond Offei’s team made a strong start in the first quarter but lost attacking momentum in the latter stages of the first half.
Benin’s Gabriel Moulero stepped up with a brilliant strike to give his side the lead in the 41st minute leaving the Black Satellites stunned.
Both teams showed plenty of attacking flair in the second half, and more goals could have been scored if it hadn’t been for the two opposing goalkeepers’ outstanding performances.
However, Benin’s hopes of securing all three points were dashed when the referee awarded Ghana a penalty in second half added time.
Afriyie once again stepped up from 12-yards to restore parity for Black Satellites as both sides shared the points at the end of the match.
The Black Satellites who are seeking qualification to the U-20 AFCON would be seeking the first win of the competition when they face off against Niger on Sunday in the ongoing WAFU Zone B Championship being staged in Togo.
GNA