The Black Satellites were held by Panthers of Gabon to a goalless draw game in the first leg of the qualifiers for the African Youth Championship (AYC) at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Coach Sellas Tetteh side needed to record a win when they travel to Libreville in a fortnight to secure qualification for the tourney, billed for next year in Senegal.
Tettey�s charges came into the game with much determination but lack of goal prowess cost them to draw level with their counterparts in the first half.
Both sides were determined to register the first goal of the match, but it was the Gabonesse that determined the pace of the game in the first 15 minutes.
Samuel Tetteh came close to scoring when he connected a well laid pass from Prosper Kassim but it hit the side of the goal post.
Gabon got a golden chance to go home with joy, however Obiang Junior's shot didn�t trouble goalkeeper Mutawakilu Seidu.
Ghana pilled much pressure on their opponents which gave Samuel Afful a bright chance but his chest control was heavy as he directed the ball straight to goalie Menene Mekosso.
From recess, substitute Eric Kumi who came on for Thomas Agyepong could have done better with his half volley in the 62nd minute, but went high and wide which left the Ghanaian fans in disappointment.
In the dying end of the game, the Black Satellites were chasing shadows and every chance they could get was dealt with by the Gabon defenders who seemed comfortable with the scoreline.
Ghana, three times Champions struggled to create brilliant chances with most of their vital passes going astray with Eric Kumi missing the target on several occasions.
The winner of the two-leg third round qualifier will advance to the finals to be staged by Senegal with Seven other countries.
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