Ghana and Senegal Start U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with Draws as Group C Remains Wide Open
In an action-packed day of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, both Ghana and defending champions Senegal were held to draws in their respective matches with Ghana having to fight back to secure a 1-1 tie against DR Congo, while Senegal a f Central African Reuplic’s game also ended in a stalemate. Here is a wrap of all the action in Group C.
Ghana Settles for Draw Against DR Congo
Ghana was held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited DR Congo. The four-time champions had to come from behind after Samuel Ntanda’s header gave DR Congo a surprise lead in the 16th minute.
Played under the floodlights at the New Suez Stadium, DR Congo started brightly, with Ntanda rising high to nod home a pinpoint cross from Messy Manitu. Ghana quickly regrouped and equalized eight minutes later when Musibau Aziz finished low after a dangerous cross from Emmanuel Mensah.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, including a close-range header from Aziz that was brilliantly saved, Ghana couldn’t find a winner. The second half was a tense battle, with both teams pushing for a decisive goal. Late substitutions and a flurry of attacking attempts kept the pressure on, but the match ended in a stalemate, leaving all four teams in Group C tied on one point.
Senegal Held by Resilient Central African Republic
Defending champions Senegal were also held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Central African Republic. After a goalless first half filled with missed opportunities, Senegal finally broke the deadlock in the 49th minute. Cheikh Thiam powered a header into the top left corner from a well-placed cross by Yaya Diémé, giving Senegal a deserved lead.
However, the Central African Republic showcased their resilience, equalizing in the 74th minute through Diogène Pengazonia, who slotted the ball past the goalkeeper after latching onto a through ball from Jores Mbaïgoto. Despite Senegal’s dominance in possession and attempts on goal, they were unable to find a late winner, with Thiam narrowly missing another header before being substituted.
The results from both matches leave Group C wide open, with Ghana set to face Senegal in a crucial encounter next.
The Central African Republic will aim to capitalize on their disciplined performance when they take on DR Congo on Monday.with all teams still in contention for a spot in the knockout stages.
