The Black Satellites of Ghana on Saturday won the African Cup for the fourth time when they shot two past opponents, the Cranes of Uganda to emerge as 2021 champions.
Skipper of the side, Daniel Barnieh, who plays for Accra Hearts of Oak, was the sole scorer on the day, netting a goal in each half of the match.
The victory had coincided with the country’s 64th independence anniversary, lifting the mood of a country that has been under the haunting aftermath of bloody elections in December 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coach Abdul Karim Zito’s men got their first goal in the 21st minute of the first half when Barnieh ran outpaced his marker and flicked a near post corner past the Ugandan goalie.
Barneih would strike again in the 51st minute after Precious Boah’s deflected pass fell on his path.
This is the first time that the Satellites are winning the tournament since 2013, and the fourth time they are winning Africa’s under 20 soccer tournament.
The win at the Stade Olympique de Nouakchott in Mauritania means Ghana is now on equal pegging with Egypt which has also won it four times. Both Egypt and Ghana are behind Nigeria who has won it seven times.