Black Meteors coach Ibrahim Tanko is hopeful his side can end Ghana’s 15-year absence and qualify for the 2020 Olympics Games.

That dream was put on hold after failing to beat to Côte d’Ivoire in the semifinals of the ongoing U23 AFCON on Tuesday.

The Black Meteors lost 3:2 on penalties in their clash with the Young Elephants after a pulsating 2:2 draw in regulation time.

Ghana will now face South Africa in the third place playoff on Friday in what will be their final attempt to grab a ticket to represent Africa at the global event in Tokyo.

“I want to congratulate Cote d’Ivoire who qualified to the final and got their qualification to the Olympics. Tonight we missed on penalties, but both teams have given a beautiful image of African football and we still have a chance of Olympic qualification with the ranking match,” he said after the game.

The third place match will kick off at 16:30hrs local time (14:30hrs) at the Cairo International Stadium.