U20 AFCON: Five talking points from Ghana’s win over Senegal 

Ghana hit the ground running at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 1-0 victory over Senegal on Monday night.

The win is Ghana’s first at the ongoing competition following an opening day 1-1 draw against Dr. Congo.

After Ghana’s game, 3Sports highlights five talking points from the tie.

More than a victory 

The much-needed win over Senegal means Ghana have recorded their first victory in the competition.

But was it just about the 90 minutes at the Suez Stadium, or there is a little more to the win?

The win carried a lot of significance as it puts Ghana in pole position to advance to the quarter-finals.

The target prior to the competition was a semi-final berth and Monday’s victory has well and truly set the team, who face Central African Republic in their last group game on Thursday, on course to make it

A last four finish automatically guarantees a semi-final spot at the U20 World Cup, a competition Ghana won in 2009 but are yet to appear at since 2015.

 

There’s talent and there’s guidance 

Two of Desmond Ofei’s established players, Jerry Afriyie and Aziz Issah, started from the bench in the Black Satellites’ first game to the amusement of Ghanaians.

Ofei was quick to rectify what many described as overthinking when he handed starting berths to Issah and Afriyie on Monday.

Afriyie repaid his manager’s belief with an assist.

Ofei has once again proven to be a manger who is not scared of making the big calls, as evidenced so far in the competition.

There are a plethora of stars in Ghana’s team who need guidance, and Ofei seems to be the right fit.

 

Mensah continues to flourish 

Emmanuel  Mensah has so far made the tournament his own, scoring decisive goals for Ghana.

After two games, Mensah has as many goals.

His latest goal may be the most important goal yet in his career.

But Mensah’s performances have given an indication that Jerry Afriyie’s impending return to his club could be handled well by the team, who have abundance of talents.

How big a miss will Jerry Afriyie be?

 

Jerry Afriyie will return to his club side, CD Lugo, after playing the first two games for Ghana, as per the agreement between Ghana and his club.

Musibau Aziz is a viable option, who could step up in his absence while Emmanuel Mensah is a fast-rising option.

Although Desmond’s tenure has been marked by memorable Afriyie moments, many bonafide stars are right on cue to make up for his loss.

 

Indiscipline; a growing theme

It was three yellow cards against Dr. Congo in Ghana’s opening game.

A notch higher on Monday – four – though.

Only two bookings are all it takes for players to receive automatic suspensions.

The physicality of games demand every sense of aggression but not with crass.

A number of Ghana’s young talents have opted to show brawn in games.

A key area Ghana will need to improve is that of discipline.

The post U20 AFCON: Five talking points from Ghana’s win over Senegal  first appeared on 3News.

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