WAFU U-20: Ten-man Ghana pip Benin to qualify for semifinals

Ten-man Ghana defeated Benin by 1-0 in the second Group A game of the 2025 WAFU Zone-B U-20 Boys Cup at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence on Wednesday.

An ordinary first half saw little scoring chances created by both nations who were looking for an important win to qualify for the semifinals of the tournament. Ghana goalkeeper, Gidios Aseako however, saved a critical situation for the Black Satellites in the 31st minute after parrying a thundering strike from his penalty area.

Ghana were dealt a huge blow nine minutes later when referee Ali Mohammed Musah sent Kelvin Nkrumah out of the game for a second yellow card over a double foot tackle. The score line remained goalless, matching into the half time break at the at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence.

Ghana, notwithstanding their numerical disadvantage, put up a different show in the second half with captain of the side Aziz Misbau controlling the midfield with finesse. Misbau took advantage of a midfield action to lay a beautiful pass in the way of onrushing Golden Kicks winger, Bless Ege who slotted home the Black Satellites opener in the 52nd minute.

Benin took charge of the game, piling incessant pressure on the Black Satellites but struggled to translate their incursions into goals. The Black Satellites came closer to increasing their tally but Asante Kotoko winger, Peter Amidu Acquah fluffed a fine opportunity in the 72nd minute leaving the game at 1-0. However, Benin remained the better side with their control of the game with Ghana trying to catch them on the break occasionally.

Referee Ali Mohammed Musah whistled for the end of the game after the three minutes of added time elapsed. Ghana walked into the game from a 1-1 opening draw against sworn rivals Nigeria, with Benin suffering a 4-1 loss against the Flying Eagles in their first Group A game.

Nigeria and Ghana qualified for the semifinals on four points apiece while Benin returns home without a point after two games in Group A. Due to their decisive victory against Benin, Nigeria finishes as Group A winners.

Final Group A Table