U-20 AFCON: Ghana and DR Congo share the points in physical draw

Photo Credit: Ghana Football Association

Ghana and DR Congo completed a day of draws to begin Group C action at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday. A goal from each team in the first half resulted in a 1-1 draw to leave all four teams in Group C level on a point each after Friday's fixtures.

A volley from Musibau Aziz leveled the match for Ghana in the 24th minute in a match that featured physical and aggressive play but few clear opportunities. It was a good recovery from the Black Satellites who got off to a poor start.

The Congolese attempted to put pressure on their opponents in the early stages and the strategy paid off in the 16th minute. A quick throw-in on the right wing provided plenty of space for Messy Manitu to cross for captain Samuel Ntanda and the Sampdoria forward produced a powerful bouncing header that left Ghana goalkeeper Gidios Aseako stranded.

Ghana responded within ten minutes but neither team was particularly effective in attack from that point. Aziz had another chance early in the second half when Abdul Sulemana flicked a clever header to send him behind the Congolese defense but Aziz's finish was poor and went harmlessly wide.

Both sides combined to only manage one shot on target in the second half and a draw was the deserved result. DR Congo will next face Central African Republic on Sunday while Ghana clash with defending champions Senegal, also on Sunday.