Coach Ibrahim Tanko is not giving up hopes of qualifying for the semifinals in the ongoing U23 AFCON after defeat to Egypt left his side on the brink of elimination.

The Olympic Pharaohs came from behind twice to edge the Black Meteors 3-2 in a five goal thriller at the Cairo International Stadium on Monday.

The result meant that Ghana have only a point from two games, and are third behind leaders Egypt (6 points) and Cameroon (4 points) going into the last round of group matches.

However, Tanko insists his side remain ‘hopeful’ as long as there is still a chance of making into the last four.

“We played a great game but lost in the end, this is football. I congratulate Egypt on qualifying. We will play to win against Mali and hope for a favorable result from Egypt match against Cameroon”

Ghana can still qualify if they beat already-eliminated Mali in their final group game at Al Salam stadium on Thursday and Egypt wins against Cameroon.