Guinea secured a U23 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal spot on Friday evening, coming from a goal down to draw 1-1 against Ghana, who crashed out of the competition.

The Guineans ended up second behind hosts Morocco, who topped Group A after edging Congo 1-0 in a simultaneous match.

A tense atmosphere at the Ibn-Batouta Stadium in Tangier saw the Young Syli National advance thanks to Ibrahima Fofana’s fierce strike. His goal cancelled Emmanuel Yeboah’s lead and caused an upset for Guinea.

Ghana is fully aware they must redeem themselves following their 5-1 loss to the tournament hosts, Morocco, on Tuesday as they failed to capitalise on their lead against Guinea.

Ghana coach Ibrahim Tanko expressed disappointment following their elimination.

“It’s a big disappointment to be out of the tournament,” said Tanko during the post-match press conference. We apologize to everyone back in Ghana. We are also disappointed in ourselves,” he added.

The competition continues on Tuesday – The first three nations will get their ticket for the Summer Olympics in 2024.

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Ex-Sierra Leone head coach Jonathan McKinstry says it was a special moment for the newly crowned Kenya Champions Gor Mahia FC. 

Coach McKinstry, a UEFA Pro Coach and professional football manager, signed with the Kenya side in July 2022 – on his first attempt, the Irish man has guided Kenya’s most decorated club to lift their 20th title.

Gor Mahia on Sunday rallied from a goal down to thrash Nairobi City Stars 4-1 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to secure a record-extending 20th league title.

McKinstry took to Twitter to express his delight. “A special day for the Gor Mahia FC family as we sealed the Kenya Premier League title in style,” he proudly tweeted.

Sierra Leone ranked 50th in FIFA World Rankings and 7th in Africa – their highest ever on 14 Aug 2014 when the Irishman was in charge.

Mckinstry was speaking after he was appointed in July last year.

“The opportunity to lead Gor Mahia is something that has interested me for several years ever since I first visited the club in 2016 whilst Head Coach of Rwanda. The stature of the club, combined with its significant and passionate fanbase place them as one of the leading clubs on the continent. To be trusted with the responsibility of guiding them back to success is a task that I relish.”

🟢 | BACK TO CAF STAGE

Hello @CAF_Online … we are back, please show us where our seats are. Confirm if Esperance are in the house? We missed that CAF tune.

Pass our regards to Zamalek – 🤚#Sirkal | #GorFansClub | @CAF_Media pic.twitter.com/0awl9uwjQ7

— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) June 26, 2023

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The Black Meteors of Ghana hold on to seal a nervy 3-2 win against Congo in their opening Group A game at the 2023 U-23 AFCON In Morocco on Sunday.

A brace for Emmanuel Yeboah and Ernest Nuamah gave the West Africans a three-goal lead before Congo fought back with two goals.

The Black Meteors opened the scoring in the 50th minute, thanks to Ernest Nuamah.

In the 76th minute, Emmanuel Yeboah made it 2-0 and got on the score again for his brace to register the third goal on 83 minutes from the penalty spot.

Reich Kokolo pulled a goal back for Congo in the 90th minute, while Yann Kouori made it 3-2 in the 94th minute.

But it was too little too late as the Black Meteors held on to kick start the tournament with a win.

The Black Meteors will take on hosts Morocco in their second Group A game on Tuesday, June 27. The Moroccans edged Guinea 2-1 in their opening game on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Mali defeated Gabon 3-1 in their opening TotalEnergies CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations 2023. In the 3rd minute, Emmanuel Ovono confidently slotted Gabon’s opener from the spot after they were awarded a penalty to put Gabon in a 1-0 lead.

Mamadou Sangaré equalized for Mali through the penalty when under pressure, goalkeeper François Junior Bekale committed a serious foul.

Cheickna Doumbia scored in 41st-minute to put Mail ahead. Gabon’s goalkeeper, François Junior Bekale, was sent off at the end of the first half.

Alassane Tamboura completed the win in the 93rd-minutes for Mali

The competition continues on Tuesday – The first three nations will get their ticket for the Summer Olympics in 2024.

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In an enthralling clash between two football giants, Senegal, the reigning champions of Africa, triumphed 4-2 over Brazil in a highly-anticipated international friendly on Tuesday night in Lisbon, Portugal.

Sadio Mane was twice on target to help Senegal fight back and shock the five-time world champions’ third loss in their last four matches.

It was the first time Brazil had lost by two goals since they were beaten 2-0 by Chile in 2015, while they had not conceded four or more in a match since they were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.

Lucas Paqueta puts Brazil in the lead early in the first half before Vinicius Jr was fouled inside the box. However, the referee’s decision was overturned following a VAR review for an offside in the buildup.

Strasbourg man Habibou Mouhamadou Diallo drew Senegal level in the 22nd minute and Marquinho’s own goal in the 52nd gave Senegal the lead before Mane made it three for the African Champions.

However, Marquinhos made amends for his earlier mistake as he scored to level the scoreline from a loose ball inside the box, but Senegal kept their cool and extended their lead when Mane scored from the penalty spot after Nicolas Jackson was fouled inside the box by Brazil goalkeeper Ederson.

It was another blow for Brazil, who have Under-20 manager Ramon Menezes acting as a caretaker coach.

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