Côte d’Ivoire secured a 2-1 victory over host nation Ghana on Sunday to book a place in the final of the WAFU B U-20 tournament, where they will face Nigeria’s Flying Eagles.
Despite conceding an early goal in the second semi-final, the Ivorians mounted a comeback to claim the win.
Benjamin Tsivanyo gave Ghana the lead just two minutes into the match, but Côte d’Ivoire responded from the penalty spot through Abdoul Bamba.
Ali Kone then netted the decisive goal with 20 minutes left on the clock to seal the win for the Ivorians.
In the first semi-final, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles overcame Niger Republic 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended goalless in regulation time.
First-choice goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who made a crucial save during the shootout, was named Player of the Match.
The Flying Eagles are using the WAFU B U-20 tournament as part of their preparations for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
They secured qualification for the global tournament after reaching the semi-finals of the U-20 AFCON in Egypt, where they finished third.
At the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Nigeria will compete in a group alongside Colombia, Norway, and Saudi Arabia.
Historically, the Flying Eagles have finished as runners-up twice — losing 2-0 to Portugal in Saudi Arabia (1989) and 2-1 to Argentina in the Netherlands (2005). They also claimed third place at the 1985 edition after beating hosts Soviet Union on penalties.