The Black Meteors of Ghana travelled to beat Mozambique 2-1 in the first leg of their Morocco 2023 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying second-round tie in Maputo Sunday afternoon.
It was barren at halftime before the game sparked to life after recess at Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto.
Mozambique started the second half on the front but when Ghana snatched possession, the Black Meteors soon won a penalty.
Captain Daniel Afriyie Barnieh elected himself and expertly converted the spot-kick in the 64th minute.
And just about 10 minutes later, coach Ibrahim Tanko’s boys were awarded another penalty.
Skipper Afriyie Barnieh stepped up once more and planted home to make it 2-0 on 77 minutes.
The Mambinhas U-23s responded strongly but could only get one goal back through defender Horácio Vilanculos who scored from the rebound after Gianluca Lorenzini saw his initial shot come off the crossbar.
Meteors managed to hold off the late Mozambiquan onslaught to snatch a 2-1 advantage from Maputo.
The second leg is set for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi next Sunday – October 30.
The aggregate winner advances to battle DR Congo or Algeria in the final round of the qualifiers set to be played in March 2023.
The Morocco 2023 U-23 Afcon would serve as a qualifying tournament for football at Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Seven (7) nations will qualify to join hosts Morocco for the 4th edition of the U-23 Afcon in June 2023.
