Latest news with #DesmondOfei
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Essel: Ghana focused on 'mission' as Egypt quarter-final looms
Published: Sunday, 11 May 2025 Ghana defender Aaron Essel says the Black Satellites are treating their quarter-final clash with hosts Egypt 'like a final' as they aim to secure a place in the last four of the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025. Ghana head into Monday's tie at the New Suez Stadium on the back of a confident group stage campaign, where they finished top of Group C after victories over defending champions Senegal and the Central African Republic. Standing in their way are a resurgent Egypt side buoyed by home support and looking to restore pride after a rollercoaster group stage performance. But Essel, who has been a defensive rock for Desmond Ofei's side, says the Black Satellites are locked in and not fazed by the occasion or the setting. 'Preparations have been very good. The entire team is focused, and we're ready to give our best on the field,' Essel said during Sunday's pre-match press conference in Suez. 'For us, this is a final. The field will decide which team emerges victorious, and we are determined to make sure it's Ghana.' Ghana are chasing a fourth U20 AFCON crown, having last won the title in 2009 – the same year they lifted the FIFA U20 World Cup. With a ticket to the global showpiece in Chile on offer for all semi-finalists, the stakes are high. Essel stressed the team's unity and commitment to the plan drawn up by coach Desmond Ofei and his technical team. 'We're sticking to the game plan laid out by Coach Desmond Ofei. Everyone knows what's at stake,' he added. The 20-year-old also addressed the increasing presence of scouts and agents in the stands — a feature of major youth tournaments — but insists the team's focus is intact. 'Yes, we're aware that scouts and agents are watching. But we're not distracted. We're in Egypt on a mission — to qualify for the World Cup and bring honour to our nation,' Essel affirmed. Playing against the host nation is often considered an intimidating task, but the young Ghanaian squad is keeping its cool. 'This is football. We've prepared adequately and we're approaching this game with a strong mentality. The mood in camp is calm and focused. There's no anxiety; everyone is ready.' Essel also issued a rallying call to Ghanaians, promising the team will leave everything on the pitch to make the country proud. 'We're not only playing for ourselves; we're playing for Ghana. We want to leave a legacy and show that we are capable of carrying the torch for Ghana football into the future.' Kick-off is set for 15:00 GMT on Monday. With a semi-final spot and World Cup qualification on the line, both sides know only one can take the next step on the road to continental glory.
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Black Satellites face resurgent Egypt in U20 AFCON quarter-final clash
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.
CAF
20-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ghana U20 coach Desmond Ofei eyes continental glory ahead of showdown in Egypt
As the countdown continues for next week's start of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, all eyes are turning to Ghana — one of the most storied nations in youth football on the continent. With a pedigree that includes four U-20 AFCON titles and a historic FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph in 2009, the Black Satellites arrive at the tournament with both legacy and expectation riding on their shoulders. Drawn into a tough Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic, Ghana faces a stern test from the outset. However, under the guidance of head coach Desmond Ofei, the team is brimming with belief, built on a blend of homegrown talent and overseas-based prospects. Ofei, a tactician with a clear footballing identity and attention to detail, has meticulously prepared his squad through a robust selection process, including a local training camp and participation in a competitive invitational tournament in Morocco. His mission is simple: restore Ghana to its rightful place at the summit of African youth football. The stakes are high. Not only is continental supremacy on the line, but the top four finishers will secure their ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile — a stage where Ghana has previously etched its name in history as the only African team to lift the trophy. With Ghana scheduled to open their campaign against DR Congo on 2 May in Suez, fans will be eager to witness how this new generation carries the weight of the jersey. In this exclusive interview with Coach Ofei discusses his team's preparation, expectations, and the ambitious roadmap for Ghana's U-20 campaign. Below is the Q&A with Ghana U-20 head coach Desmond Ofei Coach, Ghana has been drawn into a group featuring the defending champions Senegal, DR Congo and Central African Republic. What is your overall assessment of the group? Desmond Ofei: It's certainly a challenging group. At this stage, every team brings quality, and we respect each of our opponents. But we're also confident in our own identity and strengths. It's about preparation and showing up with our best when it matters. What can you tell us about your group opponents? Desmond Ofei: We've done extensive scouting. Senegal are the reigning champions for a reason — very well-organized and consistent. DR Congo and Central African Republic also bring different tactical profiles. We've studied each team closely and will prepare uniquely for every match. Can you walk us through Ghana's preparation for this tournament? Desmond Ofei: We started with a local talent identification programme that ran for about five weeks. We looked at a wide pool of players from domestic competitions. Then we went to Morocco for a three-nation tournament which gave us a clearer picture of our core squad. The next phase is all about tactical fine-tuning and strengthening team chemistry. Ghana has a proud history in this competition. What should fans and the continent expect from your team? Desmond Ofei: Expect a team that plays with courage, purpose, and intelligence. We want to control games, with and without the ball. Our identity is built on dynamic, expressive football backed by strong tactical discipline. Ghana has produced many stars through this tournament. Are there any standout talents we should watch? Desmond Ofei: We have talent across all positions — defenders, midfielders, attackers. I'd prefer not to single out individuals now, but I believe several of our players will emerge as names to remember by the end of this competition. Your clash with Senegal has been tipped as one of the key group games. How are you approaching that? Desmond Ofei: It's a big match, no doubt. But we'll treat it like any other: with respect, focus, and confidence. We'll execute our tactical plan, stay disciplined, and be fearless in key moments. From a coaching perspective, what's your view of the overall level of the U-20 AFCON? Desmond Ofei: The competition keeps evolving. Teams are more organized, players are better prepared, and the talent is impressive. It's a fantastic platform for young footballers, and for coaches like myself, it's a space to innovate and test ideas. Finally, what is Ghana's main target heading into this year's tournament? Desmond Ofei: Our immediate goal is to get out of the group stage. From there, we take it one step at a time. Of course, the long-term aim is to win the tournament and qualify for the U-20 World Cup, but we'll do that by staying consistent and focused on the process.
