Black Satellites face resurgent Egypt in U20 AFCON quarter-final clash

CAF

11-05-2025

Published: Saturday, 10 May 2025
Ghana will face hosts Egypt in a high-stakes quarter-final showdown at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 on Monday afternoon in Suez, as both sides aim to keep their title hopes alive.
The Black Satellites topped Group C with a perfect record, defeating DR Congo and the Central African Republic after an opening 1-1 draw.
Compact in defence and clinical in attack, Desmond Ofei's side are now among the favourites to lift the trophy for a record fourth time.
Their highlight so far was a gritty 1-0 victory over defending champions Senegal, which not only ended the Teranga Cubs' hopes of back-to-back titles but also underlined Ghana's resurgence on the continental youth stage.
Jerry Afriyie, Joseph Aidoo and Abdul Sulemana have been key contributors, but it is Ghana's disciplined midfield structure and high-pressing game that have made the difference. Their ability to manage tight matches and punish mistakes has been central to their rise.
However, standing in their way is an Egypt side that has experienced a rollercoaster campaign but now seems to have rediscovered momentum at the right time.
After a strong start with a 1-0 win over South Africa, the Young Pharaohs suffered a shocking 4-1 defeat to Sierra Leone, before edging Tanzania 1-0 to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
It's a far cry from the dominance Egypt would have hoped for as hosts, but the team has shown resilience and will now look to feed off home support in the knockout stages.
Coach Osama Nabih will be banking on midfield architect Ahmed Kabaka, who has created more chances than any other Egyptian in the tournament. In goal, Abdelmonem Tamer has grown in stature, while the return to form of forward Ahmed Sharaf could prove crucial.
History also favours Ghana in this fixture. The West Africans defeated Egypt in the group stage of the 1993 edition and went on to win that tournament. But Egypt will hope that playing on home soil can tip the scales in their favour.
With both teams boasting rich U20 histories, Monday's clash promises to be a tactical and emotional battle. Ghana are chasing their fourth title, while Egypt are seeking their first since 2003 and aiming to avoid a third consecutive group-stage elimination.
Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT at the Suez Canal Stadium. The winner will take on the victor of Morocco vs Sierra Leone in the semi-finals.