The U20 African Cup of Nations tournament in Mauritania concluded yesterday with Ghana’s 2-0 victory over Uganda, on the same day as the West African country was celebrating its 64th Independence Day.
Although Accra couldn’t produce its normal festive spirits and celebrations due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the national U20 side gave them plenty of reasons to be happy, winning their fourth U20 AFCON, the first since 2009, which they then followed with an amazing U20 World Cup title.
🎥 Highlights: 🇬🇭 🆚 🇺🇬
— #TotalAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) March 6, 2021
Ghana score twice as they defeat Uganda in a thrilling #TotalAFCONU20 final! 🔥#TotalAFCONU20 | #GHAUGA pic.twitter.com/7yTeKQPoPj
Their opponent in the finals was the surprise package of Uganda, who is the complete opposite in terms of experience in this level. The Hippos made their debut appearance in the tournament. They produced nothing short of a dream run to the final, as striker Derrick Kakooza scored five goals in five games, including a hat-trick in the 4-1 routing of Tunisia in the semis. Making the feat more impressive was the fact that their squad consisted solely of players playing domestically, the only side to do so besides Namibia.
Incredibly PROUD of the Uganda 🇺🇬 Hippos for finishing second at the AFCON U20 at the first time of asking.
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) March 6, 2021
CECAFA champions who have written their names in history. It has been a long journey. Hold your heads up lads and congratulations to Morley Byekwaso & his entire team. 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/7aFC89Z5OK
On the other hand, the vastly decorated Ghana had struggled in the earlier rounds. It only qualified from the group stage as one of the best 3rd places, going on to beat Cameroon on penalties in the quarter-finals.
The final at the Stade Olympique in Nouakchott eventually went in favour of the favourites and was decided by Daniel Barnieh, the Hearts of Oak player who scored twice in each half: in the 22nd minute, he snuck into the near post and smartly turned home a corner kick by Abdul Issahaku.
A serious battle in AFCON U20 final between the Black Satellites and the Uganda Hippos. (Photo: CAF Media)
The second goal came after 51 minutes; Issahaku won the ball in the middle of the field and delivered a great through pass to Percious Boah, Ghana’s best player of the tournament, who squared off Barnieh to finish from close range and seal the game for the Black Satellites. With this type of efficiency, some will undoubtedly get called up soon to the Black Stars squad.
In the past, this tournament helped discover some fantastic players such as Mohamed Salah Benni McCarthy, Patson Daka and Taye Taiwo - who went on to sign for big European Clubs after impressing on this stage. Therefore, it will be no surprise if we hear soon about new adventures for players such as Boah, Issahaku or Kakooza.
The stars of tomorrow
Before the game, Ghanaian coach Abdul Karim Zito shared with the media his team’s main source of motivation: “We are keen to win this trophy because tomorrow is Ghana’s independence anniversary. We are privileged to represent our nation here, and the best way to thank our country is to win this trophy”. Evidently, after the game, the Ghanaian players and staff showed exactly how much it meant to them. Leaving the future aside, Ghana can take a moment and enjoy the present.
For the Country we love ❤️ #IndependenceDay 🇬🇭 #BlackSatellites #BringBackTheLove #TotalAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/lcPZDGNwEO
— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) March 6, 2021
