Desmond Ofei Optimistic as Black Satellites Target Knockout Stage After Opening Draw
Ghana U-20 head coach Desmond Ofei has expressed optimism about his team’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage of the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening Group C match.
The Black Satellites began their campaign on Friday, May 2, in a contest that tested their resilience at both ends of the pitch.
After a shaky start, Ghana fell behind when DR Congo’s Messy Manitu threaded a precise pass through a disjointed defensive line, allowing Ntanda to calmly slot home for the opening goal.
However, the response from the Ghanaian side was swift and purposeful. Just minutes later, in the 24th minute, Emmanuel Mensah broke the Congolese midfield with a well-timed through ball to Aziz Musibau, who made no mistake with a composed finish to draw the Black Satellites level.
The remainder of the match saw both teams searching for a winner, but it ultimately ended in a draw, leaving Group C wide open after the first round of matches.
In his post-match remarks, head coach Desmond Ofei remained upbeat about his side’s prospects in the tournament.
“The group is open, and we will fight for qualification,” Ofei stated.
Elsewhere in Group C, defending champions Senegal also played out a 1-1 draw with the Central African Republic, meaning all four teams are locked on one point each.
Ghana’s next match in the group stage will be a crucial test of their ambitions, as they aim to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the competition, which runs from April 27 to May 18 in Egypt.
