Club Cluj striker, Emmanuel Yeboah stole the headlines with his two goals as the Black Meteors of Ghana marched to a 3-2 win over debutants, Congo in the Group A opener of the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana started the game lively in the first half but could not find the back of the net.
However, it was Congo who had the better chances, threatening the goal of Ibrahim Danlad on several occasions.
After a cagey goalless first half, the Black Meteors of Ghana were rewarded with a goal after Ibrahim Tanko, brought on Emmanuel Yeboah and Hafiz Ibrahim to replace skipper Afriyie Barnieh and Sylvester Simba.
The tactical tweak worked to perfection as Emmanuel Yeboah in a buildup found his well-placed pass at the feat of Ernest Nuamah who only had to tap in from close range to give Ghana the lead in the 50th minute.
Yeboah, the assister was then given the chance to find the back of the net and he showed great predatory instincts to score for Ghana.
Two minutes later, Ghana got a penalty which Yeboah would carefully beat the goalkeeper to find the back of the net for the Black Meteors as they cruised to a 3-0 lead with 10 minutes to go.
With seven minutes added on, a lapse in concentration, saw Ghana concede two late goals from Reich Kokolo in the 92nd minute and Yann Ngatse in the 93rd minute to set up a frantic end to the encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Ghana will now regroup and prepare for its second Group A game against Host Nation, Morocco on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.