2028 Olympic GamesQ: 10-man Ghana lose to Libyan

Ghana’s Black Meteors suffered a 1-0 defeat to Libya in the first leg of their 2027 CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Benghazi on Wednesday.

The defeat leaves the Black Meteors needing a victory in next week’s return fixture to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Ghana played much of the encounter with 10 men after defender Antwi Dacosta was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Dacosta received his marching orders following an aerial challenge in which he was adjudged to have elbowed an opponent, leaving head coach Desmond Ofei’s side at a numerical disadvantage.

Libya capitalised on their extra man to secure a late victory, with Malik Binismaeil scoring the decisive goal five minutes before the end of regulation time at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium.

The goal came after goalkeeper Gidios Aseako failed to hold a shot, allowing the ball to spill into his own net.

The late setback compounded Ghana’s frustrations, with coach Ofei visibly unhappy with some of the officiating decisions during the encounter.

The Black Meteors must now overturn the one-goal deficit when the two sides meet in the second leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

Ghana are hoping to secure a place at the 2027 U-23 AFCON, with the tournament also serving as a potential pathway towards qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The West African side are seeking a return to men’s football at the Olympic Games for the first time since their appearance at Athens 2004.