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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
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ghana U20 Profile: Black Satellites chase fifth U-20 title in Egypt
Ghana's Black Satellites return to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a proud legacy and renewed ambition. As four-time champions, they remain one of the most successful teams in the tournament's history. Led by Desmond Ofei, the youthful and tactically sound Ghanaian side is aiming to lift the trophy again and book their ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. GHANA Four-time champions Ghana return to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with high hopes and a rich legacy to protect. The Black Satellites remain one of the most decorated sides at youth level in African football. Ghana will be among the favourites, aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2021 and to secure qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Led by coach Desmond Sakyi Ofei, the Black Satellites combine youthful exuberance with a strong tactical foundation, having impressed in the WAFU Zone B qualifiers. HOW THEY QUALIFIED Ghana booked their spot at the 2025 edition of the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON after finishing as runners-up in the WAFU Zone B Championship. The Black Satellites put in strong performances, securing wins over Niger and Côte d'Ivoire in the knockout stages, after drawing with Togo (1-1) and Benin (2-2) in the group phase. Star forward Jerry Afriyie led from the front, netting five goals in five matches and playing a decisive role in Ghana's qualification campaign. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON This marks Ghana's 11th appearance at the tournament and they boast one of the most impressive records in U-20 AFCON history. The Black Satellites have lifted the trophy four times – in 1993, 1999, 2009, and 2021 – and finished runners-up twice, in 2001 and 2013. The tournament has been a springboard for some of Ghana's greatest football icons, including Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari, and Samuel Osei Kuffour. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Jerry Afriyie – Ghana's attacking spearhead and the top scorer at the WAFU Zone B qualifiers, Afriyie combines pace, positioning, and finishing prowess. Aziz Musibau – A lively forward with sharp instincts in front of goal, Musibau netted twice during the qualifiers and was named MVP in one match. His movement and link-up play are crucial in Ghana's offensive setup. Araphat Mohammed – A commanding presence in midfield, Mohammed's vision and passing range allow Ghana to dominate possession and launch attacks. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Head coach Desmond Sakyi Ofei brings modern tactical discipline to Ghana's youthful squad. He guided the team to gold at the 2024 African Games and is known for promoting fluid attacking football. Ofei prefers a 4-3-3 system, focused on dynamic forward movement, quick passing transitions, and using width to stretch defences. His system allows creative freedom while maintaining structural balance. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS Drawn into a challenging Group C alongside title holders Senegal, Central African Republic, and DR Congo, Ghana face stiff competition right from the start. Despite the tough group, the Black Satellites are considered one of the tournament favourites and are targeting a fifth title.
