Ghana’s Black Satellites have discovered their opponents for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, running from April 26 to May 18. Under the guidance of coach Desmond Ofei, Ghana will face hosts Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and DR Congo in what promises to be an exciting Group A.
WUPPERTAL, GERMANY – OCTOBER 14: Ameyaw Appiah-Kubi Dennis(R) challenges Maurice Krattenmacher of Germany (L) during the International Friendly match between U20 Germany and U20 Ghana at Stadion am Zoo on October 14, 2024 in Wuppertal, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB)
Ghana’s Challenging Group A: Road to Glory
The Black Satellites, three-time U20 AFCON champions, face a tricky path. Hosts Ivory Coast bring home advantage, while Tanzania’s rising football profile and DR Congo’s strength make this group highly competitive. Coach Desmond Ofei acknowledges the challenge but remains optimistic.
The draw, held at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, saw 13 teams split into three groups, with Ghana’s path set towards not only continental glory but also a spot in the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
WUPPERTAL, GERMANY – OCTOBER 14: Head coach Desmond Sakyi-Ofei oreacts during the International Friendly match between U20 Germany and U20 Ghana at Stadion am Zoo on October 14, 2024 in Wuppertal, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB)
Coach Ofei’s Reaction to the Draw
Ofei expressed confidence, stating, “It’s a challenging group, but we believe in our team’s ability. With proper preparation and hard work, we will compete fiercely and aim for qualification.”
Tournament Structure and Stakes
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stages—quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. The top four teams will earn qualification for the U20 World Cup in Chile (September 27–October 19, 2025).
WUPPERTAL, GERMANY – OCTOBER 14: Fans of Ghana react during the International Friendly match between U20 Germany and U20 Ghana at Stadion am Zoo on October 14, 2024 in Wuppertal, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB)
Key Contenders in the Tournament
Apart from Ghana’s group, other strong contenders include Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, defending champions Senegal, and South Africa, making the tournament highly competitive.
Coach Ofei emphasized a strong preparation plan, including friendly matches to build team chemistry. “We are determined to make Ghana proud, and our preparations will reflect that,” he stated.
With stakes high and competition fierce, the Black Satellites aim to add another chapter to their illustrious history in African youth football.