U-20 AFCON: Ghana coach Ofei reacts to tricky quarter-final qualification

Photo Credit – Ghana Football Association.

Ghana’s U-20 national team booked a slot in the quarter-finals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, squeezing out a victory against Central African Republic in the final group game at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday.

The Black Satellites fought tooth and nail to claim a slim 1-0 win against Central African Republic to lead Group C with seven points from three matches. The 2009 FIFA World Cup winners recorded a 1-1 opening draw against DR Congo before nailing defending champions Senegal 1-0 in the second game.

Ghana must wait for the result from Groups A and B to determine which country they will face next in the quarter-finals.

Reacting to his team’s qualification after their final group stage victory, Ghana head coach Desmond Ofei acknowledged that the game was tough: “We didn’t rush the game. That was very important. The boys controlled the game, worked the ball well, and stayed patient even when the goal didn’t come early. I’m happy for them as they earned this win,.”

“It was a tricky match. The CAR boys fought really hard and made it difficult for us at times. We lost a number of balls in our own half, which gave them some confidence and momentum, but I’m proud of the resilience the boys showed,” said Ofei, as quoted on the Ghana FA website.

The Black Satellites left it late to score in the 84th minute when substitute Joseph Opoku’s stunning finish sealed Ghana’s narrow 1-0 victory.

Following the win against Central African Republic, Ghana progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Senegal, who defeated DR Congo 2-0 in their final group game.

Senegal finished level with DR Congo on four points, however, Senegal pipped second place with a goal advantage. Central Africa languish in bottom place on one point.