Ofei Hails Early Arrival as Crucial Boost for Black Satellites Ahead of U-20 AFCON

Black Satellites head coach Desmond Ofei has underlined the strategic importance of Ghana’s early arrival in Egypt ahead of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON), expressing satisfaction with the team’s acclimatisation and access to top-tier facilities.

The national U-20 side touched down in Cairo over the weekend, nearly two weeks ahead of their Group C opener, as they fine-tune preparations for the continental showdown set to kick off on April 27, 2025.

Speaking to the press after the team’s first training session on Egyptian soil, Ofei said the early travel has already begun to pay dividends.

“We are very fortunate to have arrived early in Egypt to acclimatise. The conditions are excellent. The training pitch is in great shape, the facilities are fantastic, and the food is good,” he said.

Ofei noted that the timing of their arrival allows players to adjust to the climate and altitude while also helping the technical team perfect matchday strategies in a conducive environment.

Ghana has been drawn into a competitive Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. The Black Satellites’ first game will be against DR Congo on May 2.

With four U-20 AFCON titles already in their trophy cabinet (1993, 1999, 2009, and 2021), Ghana is determined to reclaim continental supremacy in Egypt. Ofei and his coaching staff are confident that early adaptation, combined with thorough preparation, could be key to a strong tournament campaign.

“We’re not here just to participate. We’ve come early, we’re focused, and we’re going to fight for the title,” Ofei added.

The Black Satellites are expected to play at least one friendly before the tournament begins, as part of their final assessments before naming the definitive squad for the group stage battles.