“We gave them a lot of respect”, according to Black Meteors Head Coach, Ibrahim Tanko after his team’s humiliating 5-1 defeat against the host nation, Morocco, in the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
In the second group match at the tournament, Ghana’s U23 team were 3-0 down in the first 30 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, before succumbing to two more goals in the first eight minutes of the second half.
Salim Adam’s goal was just a consolation goal on a night when the Black Meteors were handed a footballing lesson.
“I think we gave them a lot of respect.”, Ibrahim Tanko said in his post-match address.
“It’s not an excuse but we had a day’s rest, and they have two.”
“We still have a chance, and we are going to prepare for that.”
The defeat sees the Black Meteors drop from the top to third, whiles Morocco has progressed to the last four.
Ghana faces a must-win clash against Guinea on June 30 to keep their hope of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics Games alive.