Black Satellites Face Stern Test in U-20 AFCON Group Stage Against Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Two Others

Accra, Ghana - 13 Feb, 2025 - Ghana's Under-20 men's national team, the Black Satellites, have been handed a challenging draw for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they are set to face host nation Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Tanzania, and a representative from the Central African Football Federations' Union (UNIFFAC) in Group A.

The draw, conducted in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, sets the stage for a competitive tournament, with the Black Satellites aiming to secure a fifth U-20 AFCON title and qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Ghana's new coach, Desmond Ofei, will lead the team in their campaign, which begins in April.

The Black Satellites have been preparing for the tournament at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, and will be looking to bounce back from their absence in the 2023 edition in Egypt. With the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals, along with three of the best third-placed teams, the competition is expected to be fierce.

Ghana's U-20 team has a rich history in the tournament, having won the title four times, with their most recent victory coming in 2021 under former coach Abdul Karim Zito. This year's edition serves as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with the four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification.

Source: Lead News Online