The Ivory Coast U-20 national team have booked their place in the final of the WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over hosts Ghana at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Sunday.
The Black Satellites got off to a bright start, netting an early opener to take control of the game. However, the Young Elephants responded before the break, levelling the score at 1-1 by halftime.
The second half was largely dominated by the Ivorians, who asserted their physicality and maintained superior possession. Despite Ghana’s resilient defensive effort, the pressure finally told in the 68th minute when Ali Kone unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box to beat goalkeeper Gidios Aseako, putting Ivory Coast ahead.
Ghana nearly equalised in the 72nd minute, but poor coordination in the final third denied them a lifeline.
The win means Ivory Coast advance to the final with a perfect record, having not dropped a single point throughout the tournament.
They will now take on Nigeria in the championship match at the Legon Sports Stadium on June 23. Nigeria earlier edged Niger 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the first semifinal.
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