U-20 AFCON: Ghana coach Ofei targets World Cup spot after Senegal win

Photo Credit - Ghana Football Association.

Ghana’s qualification for the quarter finals of the Africa U-20 Championship in Egypt was given a lifeline when the 2009 World Cup winners stunned defending champions Senegal in Suez on Monday, May 4.

The Young Teranga Lions came from a 1-1 draw against Central African Republic just as Ghana against DR Congo in their opening Group C game.

Both nations needed a win to build up points and in essence book a quarter final berth with Black Satellites nailing their fellow West Africans by 1-0.

Emmanuel Mensah’s solitary first half strike was all Ghana needed to go on four points, same as DR Congo who pummeled Central African Republic by 3-1 in their second game.

Ghana coach, Desmond Ofei applauded his charges for containing the highly physical Senegal. Speaking in a post-match interview, Coach Desmond Ofei argued that his team managed to secure the victory because the team got its tactics right for the game.

"It was a very difficult game, no doubt about that. But tactically, I believe we got it right,” Desmond Ofei said.

"Senegal came at us with a very direct and physical approach. It wasn’t easy, but our players showed great tactical discipline and fighting spirit throughout the game."

"The boys followed the game plan, stayed organised, and gave everything on the pitch. That’s all you can ask for as a coach.”

Desmond Ofei, who led the team to place second at the WAFU ZONE B tournament in Togo, has set sight on leading the Black Satellites to the 2025 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Chile.

"Our main goal is to qualify for the World Cup. That’s the focus. Each match and positive result takes us a step closer,” the Black Satellites coach said.

Up next for Ghana’s Black Satellites, they will take on the Central African Republic in their final Group C game at the tournament. Ghana and DR Congo share four points from two games with Senegal and Senegal and Central African Republic on one apiece.