Ghana Drawn in Group A for 2025 U-20 AFCON in Egypt
Ghana’s Black Satellites have been drawn into Group A of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a tournament set to kick off in Egypt from April 26 to May 18. The draw, held ahead of the highly anticipated youth competition, places Ghana alongside the Central African Republic, DR Congo, Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire.
The group, while competitive is seen by many analysts as offering a favorable opportunity for the four-time champions to advance to the knockout stages. Ghana, under the leadership of head coach Desmond Ofei, will look to capitalize on their experience and pedigree at this level.
The Black Satellites will begin their campaign with a high-stakes encounter against West African rivals Côte d’Ivoire on April 26, before facing Tanzania on April 29. The final group match will be crucial as they push to secure a place in the next round and ultimately, qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for September 27 to October 19.
Ghana has a rich history in youth football having won the U-20 AFCON four times and famously clinched the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009—the first and only African country to do so. The team last lifted the continental trophy in 2021 and will be eager to return to the summit of African youth football.
While Ghana’s group offers a clear path to the knockout rounds, the overall competition remains fierce. Group B has been dubbed the Group of Death, featuring host nation Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa—four football giants with a strong track record in youth development.
Defending champions Senegal lead Group C and will battle it out with Kenya, Sierra Leone and Zambia in what also promises to be a tightly contested group.
Beyond the hunt for continental silverware, the U-20 AFCON also serves as a qualifying tournament for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Ghana will need to reach the semi-finals in Egypt to book a ticket to Chile, where the world’s best young talents will gather later this year.
With a blend of experienced coaching, talented young players and a storied legacy, the Black Satellites are heading to Egypt with renewed ambition to fly high once again.