Black Meteors coach Ibrahim Tanko leaps to Afriyie Barnieh defence after 'blank' performance in Algeria clash

Ghana U23 coach, Ibrahim Tanko has jumped to the defence of Daniel Afriyie Barnieh after failing to impress against Algeria last Tuesday.

Barnieh, who plies his trade for FC Zurich in Switzerland was woeful in front of goal, when Ghana defeated Algeria last Tuesday.

The Black Meteors sealed qualification to the Africa U23 Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco in June this year after beating Algeria in the final round of qualifiers.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku netted the winner as the Black Meteors completed a 2-1 aggregate win to earn their place in Morocco.

“I think Barnieh did well though. He spoiled a lot of chances but his general play was good. You can’t just use one game to kill a player, he just moved to Europe. I’m sure he will settle well at his club before the tournament,” Ibrahim Tanko shared

The Africa U23 Cup of Nations will begin on June 23 and end on July 8.

Ghana has failed to qualify for the Olympic Games since 2004 and will hope to break the jinx this time around. The 2024 Olympic Games will be staged in Paris.