Ghana missed out on a fourth African U20 Championship trophy after a 5-4 penalties defeat to Egypt at the Ahmed Zabana Stadium in Oran, Algeria on Saturday.
The match in a repeat of their opening Group A match, both sides were tied 1-1 after extra time with both goals being scored in the first half.
Just after four minutes, the Young Pharaohs shot ahead from the spot after dangerman Abdul Monem Abdul Hamid Mahmoud was fouled inside the box.
Defender Richmond Nketiah stretched his leg with a late tackle and Mahmoud dropped like a stone.
Experienced referee Mehdi Abdi Samba pointed to the 12 yard spot and skilful Saleh Ouda Gomaa sent goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi the wrong way.
Ghana did not throw their hands in despair but pushed for the equalizer quickly and in one of their attacking moves, Moses Odjer in an advantageous position to head attracted a high foot challenge and won a penalty.
Left-back Jeremiah Arkoful picked the ball and with aplomb beat goalkeeper Mossad Awad.
The Black Satellites settled down afterwards and took the game to the Egyptians.
After half and hour, Assifuah won a free-kick close to the edge of the box and Akorful again curled one in which smashed the cross bar.
Five minutes, Rabiea Yassin’s boys turned on the engine and Abdul Monem was the architect but his cross from the right was headed wide by Omar Bassam.
Diminutive Clifford Aboagye, unmarked inside the box, could not direct a corner from Nketiah.
After half-time, Ghana had free-kick just outside the penalty arc after Hossam Mohammed had handled the ball.
Egypt responded with a threatening move as Bassam fired a half volley after lifting the ball well.
In the 65th minute, Akorful’s curling free-kick was just a few metres wide with goalkeeper Mossad Awad beaten.
Egypt were dangerous on the left and two crosses were intercepted by backpedaling Akorful for goalkeeper to pick up.
Aboagye was the star man as he won free-kicks with his trickery and skills but he was substituted early inside the first half of extra-time.
Ghana lost the services of striker Assifuah who walked off injured.
