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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