Black Satellites Secure Top Spot in Group C with Late Win Over Central African Republic
Ghana’s U-20 national team, the Black Satellites, sealed top spot in Group C of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Central African Republic (CAR) on Monday evening.
Joseph Opoku emerged the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 82nd minute after coming off the bench to secure Ghana’s second win in the group and maintain their unbeaten record in the competition.
Heading into the match, Coach Desmond Ofei’s side had already collected four points—following a 1-1 draw against DR Congo and a 1-0 victory over defending champions Senegal. A win against CAR was needed to guarantee top spot, and the Black Satellites rose to the occasion.
Despite dominating large portions of the first half, Ghana failed to convert their chances. Midfielder Abdul Aziz Issah was particularly lively, getting into promising positions, but struggled to find the target as both sides went into the break goalless.
After the restart, Ghana continued to press, showing more urgency in attack. The breakthrough finally came in the 82nd minute when Ishmael Addo sent a long pass over the top, which Opoku latched onto. The striker beat two defenders before slotting the ball low past the CAR goalkeeper to give Ghana a deserved lead.
The Black Satellites held on firmly in the closing stages, displaying defensive discipline to preserve their slender advantage and take all three points.
Ghana now finish the group stage with seven points, securing top place in Group C ahead of Senegal and DR Congo. The win also guarantees them a spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face one of the third-placed teams from Group A or B.
