As the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draws closer, Black Satellites head coach Desmond Ofei has expressed strong confidence in his squad’s preparedness and fighting spirit ahead of the continental tournament.
Ghana’s U-20 team has been drawn in Group C, a highly competitive group that features defending champions Senegal, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic. The tournament will take place in Egypt from April 27 to May 18, 2025.
Speaking to the media in the build-up to the tournament, Coach Desmond Ofei praised his players for their dedication, discipline, and determination in training. He emphasized that the current squad has shown an exceptional level of commitment and energy.
“We are really happy, and as you can see, the boys are enthusiastic about the whole situation,” Ofei said. “The hunger is there, so I don’t think we need to motivate them. They’re giving 100% in every training session and are ready to give everything for the nation.”
Ofei, who took over the Black Satellites with a clear vision to restore Ghana’s dominance at the youth level, believes the tough group assignment will only inspire his team to rise to the challenge. Ghana last won the U-20 AFCON in 2009, a year they also became U-20 World Champions — a legacy that the current crop of players is eager to emulate.
“We respect all the teams in our group, especially Senegal who are the defending champions. But we are focused on ourselves and our preparations. The boys know what is at stake and are ready to give their all,” Ofei added.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has also thrown its support behind the technical team, ensuring that the squad has access to quality training facilities and preparatory matches ahead of the tournament.
The Black Satellites recently completed a successful training camp where they played a series of friendlies against top-tier clubs and national teams in the sub-region. These matches were designed to fine-tune their tactics and foster team chemistry.
With talents drawn from both local clubs and foreign-based players, Ghana’s U-20 side is expected to present a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level. Key players include midfield dynamo Ibrahim Zubairu, winger Samuel Boakye, and centre-back Kwame Boateng.
As anticipation builds for the tournament in Egypt, fans across Ghana remain hopeful that Coach Ofei and his young stars can deliver another memorable campaign, reigniting the glory days of Ghanaian youth football.
The Black Satellites will kick off their Group C campaign with a high-stakes opener against Senegal, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
