The U-23 Africa Cup of Nations group games will bounce back to action on Monday, as host nation the Pharaohs of Egypt will take on debutants, the Black Meteors of Ghana in a second Group A match at the Cairo International Stadium.
After the late equaliser gave the Ghanaian side a point in the opening game against Cameroon, the Black Meteors would be looking forward to get their first ever victory in the U-23 AFCON against Egypt to maintain their chances of qualifying to the next stage.
Ghana, making her maiden appearance in the tournament would need to double up her performance to maintain the unbeaten run in five matches since the start of 2019 U-23 qualifiers (2 wins, 3 draws).
Coach Ibrahim Tanko has urged his men to give their best in the coming two matches in order to pursue the nation’s dream of a place in next year’s Tokyo Olympics.
The host nation Egypt cruised to a narrow 1-0 victory over Mali in the opening game of the tournament and will be aiming to continue their winning start against Ghana to secure their place in the semi finals.
Before the opening victory over Mali, Coach Shawky Gharib men were not in a good form as they lost three of their last four games in a row but a win today against Ghana would announce the Egyptian’s qualification to next year’s Tokyo Olympics irrespective of the other game result.
The two teams would be facing each other for the first time in the history of U-23 football.
Elsewhere in the other group games, Cameroon who surrendered their lead against Ghana to go home a point will lock horns with Mali who lost their opening game against Egypt.
After the opening group games, Egypt leads the Group A with three points followed by Ghana and Cameroon who has a point each and Mali at the button with no point.
