Ghana’s Black Satellites drew goalless in Algiers against Algeria on Friday in the first leg of the second round of the qualifiers for the 2019 African U20 Championships.
The Satellites were experiencing their first taste of the qualifiers after drawing a bye in the initial rounds and coach Jimmy Cobblah named his starting lineup to include Mohammed Kudus, who featured for the Black Starlets in 2017, and Richard Danso of WAFA.
The Algerians started fairly stronger than the Ghanaians but the Satellites composed themselves and got into their groove.
They went close to scoring in the first half when Richard Danso flashed a long-range effort just over the bar but that was just about the best opportunity for Ghana.
In the second half, the match became more stretched and the openings started to show up.
While Algeria struggled to get into positions of promise, Ghana went close to scoring again but Maxwell Arthur’s cut-back from the right wing was scuffed by Basit Abdul Rahman.
The Satellites tried to use their pace down the flanks to find chances but they were flagged offside on most occasions.
Not even the 6 minutes of added time helped the two teams find a goal.
The return leg is set for the weekend of May 18-20 and Ghana will need a victory to the next round of the qualifiers.
The main tournament will be played in Niger in 2019.
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By: Citi Sports