'Courageous' Ghana meet DR Congo in U20 AFCON Group B

Photo Credit - Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Ghana’s U-20 national football team will open their U-20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against DR Congo in Suez on Friday, May 2, aiming to replicate the 2009-winning squad.

The Black Satellites are paired in Group C alongside DR Congo, Central African Republic and defending champions Senegal, for the tournament that runs from April 27 to May 18.

Black Satellites head coach Desmond Ofei is optimistic his side will beat DR Congo in their opening match. Ofei revealed that his team has studied every opponent closely and is preparing accordingly.

“We’ve done extensive scouting. Senegal are the reigning champions for a reason [...] very well-organized and consistent. DR Congo and the Central African Republic also bring different tactical profiles. We've studied each team closely and will prepare uniquely for every match.

“We have talent in all positions: defenders, midfielders, attackers. I’d prefer not to single out individuals now, but I believe several of our players will emerge as names to remember by the end of this competition,” Ofei said.

“Expect a team that plays with courage, purpose, and intelligence. We want to control games, with and without the ball. Our identity is built on dynamic, expressive football backed by strong tactical discipline," he added.

Ghana has made four appearances at the continental level, winning the tournament in 2009, and also going on to clinch the world title in Egypt in the same year. The semi-finalists of the tournament will qualify for the 2025 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Chile later this year.