Today in history: Ghana became first African country to win FIFA U20 World Cup 15-years ago

On Friday, October 16, 2009, Ghana made history by winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup title, triumphing over Brazil in a dramatic penalty shootout after a fiercely contested match that ended 0-0 following extra time.

With Ghana reduced to 10 men early in the match, the victory marked a significant milestone for African football, as it was the first time an African nation had won the prestigious tournament.

The triumph was particularly meaningful for Ghana, which had long aspired to lift a world trophy at the youth level. The “Golden Generation” of players who achieved this feat were expected to transition into the senior national team, the Black Stars, and continue to make their mark as well as take the world by storm by featuring for prominent  clubs.

Fifteen years later, here are the starting eleven from that historic match and where they are today.

Goalkeeper Daniel Agyei 

Agyei, Ghana’s hero in the final with two penalty saves, played for Liberty Professionals at the time. Despite his heroics, his career mostly remained on the African continent, particularly in Ethiopia. His last known club was Dutch lower-tier side OFC Oostzaan, but he is currently without a club at age 34.

Samuel Inkoom

Inkoom’s energetic performances as a right-back were vital in Ghana’s World Cup success. He went on to feature for several European clubs and later played for Hearts of Oak, helping them win the Ghana FA Cup. He is now involved in talent development.

Jonathan Mensah

A solid figure in defence, Jonathan Mensah continued his career in Major League Soccer, currently playing for New England Revolution. At 33, Mensah still actively plays but is nearing the end of his 

Daniel Addo

Addo’s tournament was tainted by a red card in the final, but he contributed significantly throughout the competition. After a career in Eastern Europe, he last played for India’s BSS Sporting Club in 2020 and has since retired.

David Addy

David Addy’s journey took him through various European leagues, and he retired from football in January 2023 after a stint with Estonian club JK Tammeka Tartu.

Abeiku Quansah

After making a promising move from Ghanaian lower-tier side Windy Professionals to French club OGC, Abeiku Quansah was touted for a bright future. However, his career was cut short, and he was forced to retire in 2019, with his last professional appearance being for DR Congo’s DC Motema Pembe.

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu

The former Udinese midfielder had a notable career in Italy, playing a key role in the 2010 Black Stars team that reached the World Cup quarter-finals. He last played for Great Olympics in Ghana in the 2022/23 season but is now inactive. Agyemang-Badu has now channeled his energy into player agency as he continue to live his passion.

André Ayew (Captain)

Arguably, the most successful of the 2009 squad, André Ayew became captain of the Black Stars and continues to play at the top level. Now 34, Ayew recently signed with Le Havre in France’s Ligue 1, continuing his consistent career across Europe.

Mohammed Rabiu

Rabiu was a midfield enforcer in the U20 team but struggled with injuries throughout his career. He last played in Russia for Tambov and has been without a club since 2021.

Ransford Osei

Ransford Osei, once a promising Ghanaian striker, failed to fulfill his potential despite his impressive performances for the U-17 team and the successful 2009 campaign in Egypt with the Blck Stellites. Linked to top clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City, Osei’s career stalled, culminating in a brief stint with Lithuania’s FK Palanga. At just 30, he announced his retirement from professional football in 2021. In subsequent interviews, Osei vowed to prevent his son from suffering the same fate, should he receive a national team call-up.

Dominic Adiyiah

The star of the tournament, Adiyiah won the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball, which earned him a move to AC Milan. Unfortunately, he never played a competitive match for Milan and had an underwhelming career. He retired after playing for lower-tier clubs in Thailand.

This golden generation promised a bright future for Ghana football. While some players like André Ayew and  Agyemang-Badu went on to have successful careers, others, like Adiyiah and Osei, failed to live up to expectations. Despite this, their historic achievement in 2009 remains a proud moment in African football history.