Morocco trounced Ghana 5-1 on Tuesday night in Rabat to secure an early spot in the semifinals of the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, the hosts quickly caught a jittery-looking Black Meteors in the manner they desired and punished them with two goals that came quite right after one another.
Amir Richardson scored in the sixth minute with a clever strike from inside the box that rolled over goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim.
Ismael Saibari scored Morocco’s second goal in the 14th minute. VAR reviews were required for both goals.
A Yanis Begraoui goal made it 3-0 at the half-hour mark, tipping the scales even more in Morocco’s favour.
Towards the close of the first half, the Black Meteors gained some momentum. During that strong run, midfielder Salim Adams salvaged a goal in the 42nd minute after a deflection.
Two minutes later, Fatawu Issahaku believed he had given Ghana some hope by further cutting the deficit to one when his long-range shot past the Moroccan goalkeeper. However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review revealed the ball had left play during the build-up, negating Issahaku’s effort.
Coach Ibrahim Tanko’s side was on the offensive at the start of the second half after their rather positive first-half conclusion. That allowed the swift Moroccans to further widen the lead. After getting the ball cheaply from centre-back Terry Yegbe in the 48th minute, captain Abdessamad Ezzalzouli made it 4-1.
Yanis Begraoui further widened Morocco’s advantage to 5-1 by completing his brace in the 53rd minute.
The Black Meteors troubled the Moroccans despite their poor defensive performance. They were just wasteful in the latter parts of the game, especially substitute Zubairu Ibrahim, who was twice set up by the enterprising Ernest Nuamah.
The humiliating 5-1 defeat has Ghana in a win-or-go-home predicament when they take on Guinea in Tangier on Friday, June 30. The Black Meteors will progress to the semifinals and remain in contention for one of the three African spots for the football competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with any kind of victory over their fellow West Africans, who also overcame Congo 3-1 earlier today.
After two victories in Group A, hosts Morocco have already advanced to the last four of the 2023 U-23 Afcon.