2023 U-23 AFCON: We couldn’t afford to slip against Congo – Emmanuel Yeboah

Black Meteors forward Emmanuel Yeboah says the team was prepared to take home all three points in the opening game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ibrahim Tanko’s side opened their campaign with a 3-2 win over Congo on Sunday, June 25, with Yeboah coming off the bench to score a brace while Ernest Nuamah broke the deadlock through the CFR Cluj attacker’s assist.

Ghana played a day after host nation Morocco had come behind to beat Guinea in the first game of the tournament on Saturday and Yeboah, who took home the Man of the Match award in the fixture against Congo said to was only right the team recorded victory.

“When I saw the opponents we were going to face; I was delighted because they are powerhouses of African football. It is through such strong opposition that we progress. We couldn’t afford to falter today against Congo, and we will gain momentum as the tournament progresses,” he said after the match.

“I’m a pretty relaxed person. When the coach told me to enter the game, I immediately knew what my mission was – to shine for the team.”

Yeboah also thanked his teammates for the performance and asked that the team stays focused throughout the competition.

“The credit doesn’t belong to me alone. I feel blessed to be part of a group where I can genuinely call each of these players my brothers,” he added.


“We have the coach, the staff, and the players to go all the way; it’s up to us to stay focused,” he ended.

Ghana will face Guinea in their next game in Group A knowing that a win could all but confirm their place in the semi-final.

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