Meteors face must-win clash against Guinea

Ghana’s Black Meteors face a high-stakes group encounter against Guinea that could determine their fate in the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament and their quest for a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Today’s match comes off at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangiers (Kickoff at 8p.m GMT) and holds a significant importance for the two sides who battle for a ticket to join Morocco in the semi-finals.

Following a crushing 1-5 defeat against tournament hosts Morocco last Tuesday,  the Meteors are determined to bounce back and secure a vital victory against Guinea who currently sit in the second spot in Group A with a better goal difference over the Ghana.

The situation leaves Coach Ibrahim Tanko’s team with no other choice but to win today’s encounter if they aim to progress further in the tournament and qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Tanko’s confidence

Coach Tanko expressed his unwavering determination to guide his team to victory, assuring fans that every effort would be made to secure the crucial three points needed for qualification.

Despite acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football, he told the Daily Graphic that he was confident of Ghana's ability to prevail.

"It's football, and anything can happen, but I'm 100 per cent sure that we are going to have the three points and qualify," he affirmed.

The coach gave an assurance that the team's spirits remained high and unfazed by the heavy defeat against Morocco.

He highlighted the versatility of his talented offensive players, including Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Ernest Nuamah Appiah, Emmanuel Yeboah, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, stating that their clinical finishing in front of goal will be vital in securing Ghana's progression to the penultimate round.

With concerns about player fatigue due to the journey from Rabat to Tangiers, Tanko aims to address both defensive frailty and the team's profligacy in front of goal as have been exposed in their two previous matches.

The coach has shown flexibility in his team selection, rotating players such as Dominic Nsobilla, Emmanuel Essian, Salim Adams, and Hafiz Adams.

The starting striker position is also a subject of deliberation, with Emmanuel Yeboah -- Ghana’s two-goal hero in their 3-2 win against Congo -- and Captain Barnieh who have started a game each competing to start upfront with link men Issahaku and Nuamah on either side of the flanks.

Guinea, on the other hand, enter the match with the knowledge that a draw would be sufficient for qualification.

They have showcased impressive performances, narrowly losing 1-2 to Morocco through a late injury-time penalty before defeating 10-man Congo 3-1.

Striker Algassime Bah and midfielder Aguibo Camara will spearhead Guinea's attack, posing a challenge for the Meteors' defence.

High stakes

Tonight’s encounter will be an intense battle as it carries even greater significance as the finalists and third-place playoff winners will secure qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympics, a competition the Ghanaians have not qualified for since 2004.

Additionally, the fourth-placed team will enter the playoff with a team from the Asian confederation to compete for the final Olympic slot.

Therefore, victory in this clash would significantly enhance the winning team's chances of securing an Olympic berth.