Satellites lose to Egypt in AYC final

Satellites 2013

Accra, Mar. 31, GNA - Ghana's Black Satellites failed in their bid to win the 2013 African Youth Championship, losing to Egypt 5-4 on penalties in Saturday's final in Oran.

After a one-all draw after 120 minutes, Asante Kotoko midfielder Michael Anaba hit the crossbar and Hossam Mohamed scored the decisive kick to hand the Young Pharaohs their fourth title in the history of the competition.

Egypt, who had earlier beaten the Satellites 2-1 in the tournament's opener, confirmed their superiority over the latter, but this time it was through a long road.

The Ghanaians played their best game yet and had the better of scoring opportunities but  Egypt were the first to score on three minutes through playmaker Salah Gomaa from the spot before Ghana restored parity via Jeremiah Arkoful also from the spot, three minutes on.

Before half time, the crossbar denied Arkoful his second after his goal-bound shot from a dead ball situation kissed back to play.

The game was balanced with both sides making unsuccessful attempts at goal. In extra time, Arkoful was denied the winner after the Egyptian goalie parried wide his volley.

The Young Pharaohs however survived a Ramy Rabie miss during penalties to cruise to victory with Gomaa, Ahmed Samir, Ahmed El Sayed, Mahmoud Abdel Moneim and Mohamed scoring against Richmond Nketiah, Jeremiah Arkorful, Lawrence Lartey and EbenezerOfori for Ghana.  Joseph Attamah and Anaba failed to score for the Black Satellites.

With the result, Ghana coach Sellas Tetteh was denied the chance to make history by becoming the second coach to win the title twice. Tetteh first achieved the feat at the 2009 edition held in Rwanda.

 
GNA