The Black Satellites of Ghana defeated the Young Squirrels of Benin 3:1 in the first leg of the final qualifier for the African Youth Competition (AYC) at Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

Striker Allagbani Saliou opened the scoring for Benin in the 28th minute to make their intentions clear as they kept Ghana back line boiling at the early stages of the game.

Ghana found their rhythm in the game with some great interpositional passes in search of an equalizer, but goalkeeper Katchon Abiola proved too strong for the Satellites attacking line, as he saved a 33rd minute goal bound shot for his country to end the first half in their favour.

Ghana came back stronger in the second half in search of an equalizer with Elvis Kyei Baffour coming in for Agyei Boakye to add more strength to the attacking lines.

Goalkeeper Abiola was called to action again to make a brilliant save from Baffours long range short as Ghana kept probing for an equalizer.


Richard Danso found the net for Ghana in the 59th minute, with a cross from left back Ibrahim Moro to make it level.

Ghana kept probing for the second goal and in the 72nd minute, a header from Ghana captain Ishaku Konda ensured that.

Danso made it three for Ghana in the 82nd minute to cushion the team for the final return leg in a week time in Benin to seek for a qualification for the 2019 AYC Slater for Algeria.