By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, May 03, GNA – Ghana’s U20 national team, the Black Satellites, opened their 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo at Suez Stadium in Egypt.
Ghana’s Aziz Musibau equalised after DR Congo’s Samuel Ntanda opened the scoring early in the first half.
The first half was intensely close, with Ghana controlling the most of possession, but the Congolese were threatening on the counterattack.
The Black Satellites had numerous half chances to take the lead, but players including Andrews Adjabeng and Opoku missed some good opportunities in the first half.
The second half was a more balanced affair with both sides enjoying spells of possession.
Both teams had chances in the early stages – Ghana saw a chance flagged offside in the 50th, before Musibau again missed a golden opportunity a minute later.
Ghana coach Desmond Offei made some few chances after bringing on experienced Jerry Afriyie as he looked to boost his attacking potencies.
However, the Congolese had a different strategy, exploiting Ghana’s weakness on the wings, but they were unable to find the finishing touch to take the lead.
A defensive lapse from Ghana in the 84th minute almost cost them, but goalkeeper Aseako was alert to the threat and saved the situation.
The game ended 1-1 after regulation time, and this leaves the group wide open after the other group encounter between defending champions Senegal and the Central African Republic ended in a draw.
Ghana will take on Senegal in their second group game on Monday, April 5, 2025, while DR Congo will face the Central African Republic in the other group encounter.
GNA
03 May 2025