Sulemana Expresses Disappointment After Ghana’s U-20 AFCON Exit to Egypt
Ghana U-20 forward Abdul Hakim Sulemana has shared his disappointment following the Black Satellites’ elimination from the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to hosts Egypt on Monday evening.
Despite a spirited second-half comeback to level the game 2-2 after trailing by two goals, Ghana succumbed 5-4 on penalties in the quarter-final clash, falling short of a semi-final berth and a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
In the aftermath of the match, Sulemana lamented the missed opportunity and the heartbreak of falling short despite the team’s efforts.
“I think we came all out. It’s always hard when you are 2-0 down and then coming up. We gave all our hearts, and that’s where we wanted to get the win, but unfortunately, we didn’t have luck on our side. We tried our best, that’s what matters,” Sulemana told reporters.
The Black Satellites had set their sights not only on reaching the latter stages of the competition but also on securing qualification for the U-20 World Cup. That objective now lies in ruins following the defeat.
“The aim was to qualify for the World Cup, and after qualifying, we get to win the trophy, but unfortunately, of course, we are not happy. We are out at the quarterfinals. We are not happy at all,” Sulemana added.
Ghana’s exit ends what had been a promising campaign for Coach Desmond Ofei’s side, who had advanced from a tough Group C that included Senegal and DR Congo.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s dramatic win sets up a tantalizing semi-final showdown against North African rivals Morocco on May 15 in Cairo.
