Black Satellites U-20 Confident After AFCON Draw, Aim for Strong Performance in Côte d'Ivoire

Desmond Ofei, the head coach of Ghana's U-20 team, has responded favorably to the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw. Along with hosts Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and a group from the UNIFFAC Zonal Union, the Black Satellites are in Group A.

Ofei believes Ghana has a good chance of progressing but acknowledged the challenge of playing an extra match in a five-team group. “We are in a good position, but we need to prepare well. The extra game was an issue in the WAFU qualifiers, so we must manage our squad carefully,” he said.

Thirteen countries will compete in the 2025 U-20 AFCON, which takes place from April 26 to May 18. The top four teams will advance to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Four-time AFCON winner Ghana is intent on winning another championship and earning a spot in the international competition.

Ofei also emphasized how competitive youth football is becoming, pointing out that countries like Congo are bolstering their rosters with youngsters from outside. He is still certain, though, that Ghana can "control the narrative" of the competition and contend for the title.