Ghana’s Black Meteors were beaten 1-0 by Libya in the first leg of their 2027 CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie in Benghazi.
The result leaves Desmond Ofei’s side needing to win the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the next stage alive.
The second leg will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium, where Ghana must overturn a one-goal deficit against Libya.
Ghana’s task became more difficult in the second half when defender Antwi Dacosta was sent off at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium.
Dacosta was shown a second yellow card following an aerial challenge in which the referee judged him to have used his elbow against an opponent. His dismissal left the Black Meteors with 10 players for the remainder of the match.
Libya made their numerical advantage count late in the game, with Malik Binismaeil scoring five minutes before the end of regulation time.
The decisive goal followed a mistake by Ghana goalkeeper Gidios Aseako, who could not hold a shot aimed at him and spilled the ball into his own net.
The late setback added to Ghana’s frustration, while head coach Ofei appeared unhappy with a number of officiating decisions during the match.
The Black Meteors now need a victory in Accra to advance in their campaign to qualify for the 2027 U-23 AFCON.
Qualification would also give Ghana the opportunity to return to the men’s Olympic football tournament for the first time since Athens 2004.
A successful run in the qualifying competition would put the team on course to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
