U-20 AFCON: Gallant Ghana crash out of tournament after penalty heartbreak against Egypt

Ghana’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations journey came to a dramatic end on Monday night after a heartbreaking 5-4 loss on penalties to host Egypt in the quarterfinals at the Suez Stadium following a breaktaking performace in regulation time.

The Black Satellites fought gallantly from two goals down to force extra time but were ultimately denied a place in the semi-finals – and with it, a ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

It was a nightmare start for Ghana, as defensive lapses cost them dearly in the first half.

Egypt capitalized on two major errors in the space of minutes, with Moamen Goweily Sherif pouncing twice.

His first came in the 19th minute after miscommunication between defender McCarthy Ofori and goalkeeper Gidios Aseako gifted him an easy finish.

He added a second shortly after, exploiting another mix-up in Ghana’s backline.

But the Black Satellites showed character. On the stroke of halftime, Abdul Aziz Issah pulled one back with a fierce strike that beat Egyptian goalkeeper Abdelmonem Tamer.

Ghana continued to press, and their resilience was rewarded deep into stoppage time when substitute Abdul Hakim Sulemana calmly converted a penalty to force extra time.

However, the tide turned in extra time when defender Aaron Essel received a controversial red card in the 107th minute, reducing Ghana to ten men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the team held on until the shootout.

In the end, Egypt held their nerve, winning 5-4 in the penalty lottery.

The defeat means Ghana will miss out on a place at the U-20 World Cup – a bitter end to a promising campaign filled with grit, flair, and near glory.