Satellites coach eyes African glory, World Cup slot
Ghana’s national U-20 coach, Desmond Ofei, has declared his team primed and ready to conquer Africa, as the Black Satellites gear up for the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt with their eyes firmly fixed on World Cup qualification.
Fresh off leading Ghana to a historic gold medal at the 13th African Games in Accra, Offei is brimming with confidence as his side prepares to do battle in Group C against defending champions Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Their campaign kicks off on May 2 against DR Congo in Suez, followed by clashes against Senegal on May 5 and CAR on May 8.
With only four teams from the 13-nation tournament guaranteed a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, Offei knows the stakes could not be higher.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ofei – who was recently elevated to the role of assistant coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars – outlined a clear ambition: to restore Ghana to the pinnacle of youth football on the continent.
“It’s been quite tough, but luckily we have a lot of talented boys both here in the country and abroad. Most of the boys who played in the African Games and the WAFU tournament are here,” he told TV3 in Accra.
“We’ve complemented them with new players, including some we assessed at the Morocco invitational tournament. We believe we have a very balanced squad. You can’t get it perfect all the time, but I’m confident in the current setup.”
Legacy to uphold
The Black Satellites arrive in Egypt with both pedigree and pressure. Ghana are four-time U-20 African champions and etched their name into history in 2009 when they became the first – and still only – African nation to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup, a triumph that also came on Egyptian soil.
That success, coupled with victories in 1993, 1999, 2009 and 2021 at the U-20 AFCON, provides the current generation with a rich legacy to live up to.
“We’ve done extensive scouting. Senegal are reigning champions for a reason — very well-organised and consistent. DR Congo and CAR bring different tactical profiles. We've studied each team closely and will prepare uniquely for every match,” Offei told CAF Online after the team’s arrival in Cairo last weekend.
The team, led by Ofei and a delegation of officials, departed Accra last Saturday and have since settled into their training base in Egypt.
They will be bolstered by the arrival of five foreign-based players, completing a squad that blends experience with exciting new talent drawn from the Ghana Premier League, Division One, lower leagues, and elite academies.
Before heading to Egypt, the Satellites concluded a successful two-week camp in Accra, which culminated in a 2-1 friendly win over local side Inter Allies.
They also competed in a three-nation tournament in Rabat, Morocco, where Coach Ofei used the opportunity to test tactical approaches and finalise squad selections.
“Our immediate goal is to get out of the group stage. From there, we take it one step at a time,” said the coach. “Of course, the long-term aim is to win the tournament and qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, but we’ll do that by staying consistent and focused on the process.”
Focus, determination,
Ofei has earned a reputation as a tactician with a clear footballing philosophy, meticulous attention to detail, and a calm but ambitious demeanour.
“This group is challenging, but every team at this level brings quality. We respect our opponents, but we also believe in our identity and strengths,” he said.
With memories of Ghana’s 2009 heroics in Egypt still fresh in the minds of many, expectations are high. Yet, the coach is focused not on nostalgia, but on writing a new chapter with a team he believes has the hunger and ability to compete at the highest level.
The 2025 U-20 AFCON will run from April 27 to May 18 in Egypt. Ghana’s journey begins in Suez — but their ultimate destination lies in Chile.
