Black Satellites have clinched their fourth U-20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy following a 2-0 victory over Uganda at the Stade Olympique de Nouakchott in Mauritania on Saturday.
Ghana's U-20 team lost on penalties to Egypt in their previous final appearance (2013) and aimed to avoid a repeat.
They managed to get the job done, making the country's 64th Independence Day celebration more special.
Skipper Daniel Barnieh, who plays for Hearts of Oak, emegred as Ghana's hero. The striker scored in both halves to ensure the victory over the Cranes, a side who were participating in the tournament for the first time.
Ghana could have gone behind early in the game. Derrick Kakooza, the tournament's top scorer with five goals, ran unto a brilliant long ball from his teammate but his attempted dink missed the target.
Abdul Karim Zito's men took control afterwards and could have broken the deadlock inside 12 minutes.
Baffour's header from an inch perfect corner kick came off the crossbar and the follow up attempt from Essiam had the same outcome.
Ghana still surged forward and eventually got their goal in the 21st minute.
Barnieh smartly ran ahead of his marker and flicked a near post corner past the opposition goalkeeper and into the net.
Zito's men struck again in the second half to get their cushion. In the 51st minute, Percious Boah's deflected pass fell fortuitously on Barnieh's path and he made no mistake with the finish.
The Black Satellites have won the tournament for the first time since 2013. They netted nine goals on their way to the title, the highest goal tally in the tournament.
The triumph means Ghana join Egypt on four trophies, three behind Nigeria who are the most successful country.
Latest Stories
-
Beating Messi’s Inter Miami to MLS Cup is feels amazing – Joseph Paintsil
1 minute -
NDC administration will reverse all ‘last-minute’ gov’t employee promotions – Asiedu Nketiah
12 minutes -
Kudus sights ‘authority and kingship’ for elephant stool celebration
13 minutes -
We’ll embrace cutting-edge technologies to address emerging healthcare needs – Prof. Antwi-Kusi
46 minutes -
Nana Aba Anamoah, Cwesi Oteng to attend Philip Nai and Friends’ charity event
51 minutes -
Environmental protection officers receive training on how to tackle climate change
54 minutes -
CLOGSAG vows to resist partisan appointments in Civil, Local Government Service
2 hours -
Peasant Farmers Association welcomes Mahama’s move to rename Agric Ministry
2 hours -
NDC grateful to chiefs, people of Bono Region -Asiedu Nketia
2 hours -
Ban on smoking in public: FDA engages food service establishments on compliance
2 hours -
Mahama’s administration to consider opening Ghana’s Mission in Budapest
2 hours -
GEPA commits to building robust systems that empower MSMEs
2 hours -
Twifo Atti-Morkwa poultry farmers in distress due to high cost of feed
2 hours -
Central Region PURC assures residents of constant water, power supply during yuletide
2 hours -
Election victory not licence to misbehave – Police to youth
2 hours