MATCH REPORT: Uzbekistan 2-1 Ghana – Fatawu shows class despite Ghana defeat to Uzbek

U20 AFCON player of the tournament Fatawu Ishaku was the brightest spot for Ghana as they fell 2-1 to Uzbekistan in a friendly on Friday.

The Steadfast FC playmaker superbly fired a free kick to register his name on the score sheet in a game the Ghanaians played well in the second half.

Uzbekistan broke the virginity of the game under ten minutes after Rashida’s curled shot swerved Joseph Addo into the net.

The Black Stars B fought back for the equalizer before the break but it was the Uzbeks who came close to increasing the tally but squandered all the opportunities that fell to them.

Abdul Fatawu Ishaku came close to restoring parity on the half hour mark but his strike galloped over the bar.

Shortly afterwards, the slippery AFCON winner weaved his way through the Uzbekistan defence and put through Diawisie Taylor but the ball rolled in front of the post with no one connecting.

The first half came to a close with the Uzbeks enjoying a 1-0 advantage.

The break saw a Black Stars B side that looked transformed following the inclusion of Daniel Afriyie for Diawisie Taylor.

Fatawu’s creativity and ingenuity paid off after he fired a thunderous curler into the net to restore parity for Ghana after he was brought down in front of the 18-yard box of Uzbekistan.

The Uzbeks responded quickly to restore their lead after Michel Otuo gifted a ball to an Uzbek attacker who wasted no time in putting the ball at the back of the net.

The Black Stars B fought to restore parity again with coach Tanko introducing Agyenim Boateng, Maxwell Abbey Quaye and Dennis Korsah.