U-20 AFCON: Ghana win to secure Group C; Senegal sneaks into second
- Andrew Olsson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Ghana secured top spot in Group C at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt following Thursday's 1-0 victory over Central African Republic. The Black Satellites confirmed their status as group winners while Senegal defeated DR Congo to snatch second place. Three teams qualified from the group with the DRC clinching a place as one of the best third placed teams.
In Ismaila at the Suez Canal Stadium, Joseph Opoku's outstanding individual effort pushed Ghana to a 1-0 victory against stubborn Central African Republic.
Encountering a strong Central African defense, it appeared that Ghana might not get all three points but the Belgian-based attacker slalomed past multiple defenders before producing a tidy finish in the 84th minute to remove all doubts the Black Satellites would win the group.
At the Suez Stadium, Senegal defeated DR Congo to pass them into second place on the table. Cheikh Tidiane Thiam's first half penalty kick was well saved by DRC goalkeeper Ryan Tutu but the shot stopper's defense could not help him out as Thiam followed up to finish from the rebound.
A VAR review late confirmed a handball committed by the DRC defense and Ibrahim Dieng finished from the spot in the 87th minute.
The top three teams are through to the quarterfinals on May 12. Senegal are certain to face Nigeria while the result between Zambia and South Africa on Friday in Group A will determine who Ghana and DR Congo will face in the final eight.
DR Congo await the winners of Group A while Ghana will face either Tunisia or the third place finisher in Group A. Morocco await the Group A runners-up to complete the quarterfinal field.
Final Group C Table
Points | GD | |
Ghana | 7 | +2 |
Senegal | 4 | +1 |
DR Congo | 4 | 0 |
C. African Republic | 1 | -3 |
Ghana and Senegal qualify for the quarterfinals. Senegal, level on points with DR Congo, finish second because of a superior head-to-head record.
DR Congo qualify for the quarterfinals as one of the two best third placed teams from the three groups.
Third Placed Teams Table
GP | Points | GD | |
DR Congo | 3 | 4 | 0 |
Tunisia | 3 | 3 | -1 |
Zambia | 2 | 2 | 0 |
The two best third placed teams qualify for the quarterfinals. DR Congo have secured qualification.
Because there are five teams in Group A, Zambia's victory against last placed Tanzania does not count towards their ranking in the third place teams table. A draw or victory for Zambia on Friday against South Africa will see them qualify for the quarterfinals and the elimination of Tunisia.