Ghana in U-20 AYC final

Goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi was the hero as the Black Satellites beat Mali 4-2 on penalties on Tuesday to reach the final of the 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC) in Algeria.

The Amidaus Professionals’ goalkeeper pulled two saves from the spot kick as the Satellites reached the final for the first time since 2009 in a game dominated by the Malians in normal time. He saved from Adama Niane and Adama Mariko.

Mali were by far the better side but failed to convert chances that came their way with Diallo Samba’s free-kick kissing the crossbar in the best moment of the game.

The Satellites improved their game in extra time but the game had to be decided via penalties, and the Ghanaians had the upper-hand.

During penalties, Ghana survived an earlier scare after Francis Narh’s  kick was saved by Malian goalie Ali Yirango. Jeremiah Arkoful, Larweh Attamah, Lawrence Lartey and Richmond Nketiah scored for the Satellites whilst Samba and Issaka Samake netted for Mali.

Ghana will face Egypt in Saturday’s final in a repeat of their earlier meeting at the group phase whilst Mali and Nigeria square in the battle for bronze.

Source: GNA