In their second group stage match of the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, the Black Meteors suffered a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Morocco, with a final score of 5-1 in favor of the Moroccan team.
Ibrahim Tanko’s team was clearly outplayed by a dominant Moroccan side that exhibited control over the game from start to finish. Adding insult to injury, Ghana had a sixth goal disallowed with the assistance of VAR, further dampening their performance.
As a result of this defeat, Ghana finds itself in a precarious situation, on the brink of an early exit from the tournament and potential failure to qualify for the Olympic Games. To progress, Ghana must secure a victory in their final match against Guinea, who also have three points but possess a superior goal difference.
A draw would be enough for Guinea to secure qualification, while Ghana’s only chance of advancing to the semi-finals lies in securing a convincing win.
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Taking stock of the match, here are five key observations:
Morocco showcases superiority
Although Morocco faced some difficulties in their first game against Guinea, requiring two late penalties to secure a victory, they displayed an exceptional performance against Ghana. Led by their captain Abde, who represents Spanish giants Barcelona, Morocco exhibited remarkable football skills, scoring impressive goals and demonstrating precise passing and intelligent movement on the field. Goalkeeper Alaa Bellaarouch’s notable saves also contributed to their overall outstanding performance. With their strong form, Morocco emerges as a serious contender in the tournament, leaving a lasting impression on both opponents and fans alike.
Defensive struggles haunt the Black Meteors
The Black Meteors continue to grapple with defensive issues, having conceded the highest number of goals in the tournament thus far, with a total of seven goals in two games. Coach Tanko is expected to make changes to the backline, including the possibility of switching goalkeepers from Ibrahim Danland to Jordan Amissah, following criticism of the former. Rectifying these defensive weaknesses is crucial for the team’s success in their upcoming match, where securing a victory is vital to stay in the competition.
Failure to minimize mistakes
Coach Tanko’s pre-game emphasis on minimizing mistakes was not adhered to by the Black Meteors during their match against Morocco. The team made numerous errors, leading to a chaotic performance and a crushing defeat. Tanko shoulders the responsibility for the team’s shortcomings, which need to be addressed before the crucial game against Guinea. Tanko must address these deficiencies and instill a winning mentality within the team.
Mounting pressure on Tanko
The Black Meteors’ underwhelming performance in Morocco has raised questions about Tanko’s coaching abilities. Tanko has faced increased scrutiny following the team’s near-collapse against Congo and their heavy defeat against Morocco. The upcoming match against Guinea on Friday has become a must-win situation for him in order to retain his position as coach of the Black Meteors. The former Black Stars assistant coach must prove his worth and make sound tactical decisions to silence his critics. The outcome of the game against Guinea will determine Tanko’s coaching tenure as well as the team’s qualification for the next stage of the tournament. The pressure on Tanko to deliver a positive result is intensifying.
Looming prospect of another Olympic Games failure
In 2019, Ghana came agonizingly close to qualifying for the Olympic Games but fell short due to a penalty shootout. This year’s tournament was seen as an opportunity to finally secure qualification, having last participated in the global showpiece in 2004. However, that dream is now in serious jeopardy following the heavy defeat suffered against Morocco. Failing to defeat Guinea and qualify for the semi-finals means Ghana’s wait for an Olympic spot will continue for at least another four years. Ghana must defeat Guinea and then finish among the top three teams to secure qualification for Paris.
