WAFU Championship: Satellites eye victory over Togo today

Ghana’s under-20 football team, the Black Satellites, will look to secure a place in the semifinals of the ongoing West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Championship when they take on the host, Togo, later today.

The Black Satellites currently top Group A with four points, having drawn 2-2 with Benin in their opening game and clinched a 2-0 victory over Niger last Sunday. A draw or win against Togo will confirm Ghana’s progression to the next stage.

Togo, sitting on two points after back-to-back draws, must win to keep their hopes alive. With the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, the Togolese are expected to come out strongly as they aim to advance to the semifinals.

Key players

Ghana will rely on standout performers Jerry Afriyie, who netted twice in the match against Benin, and Aziz Masibau, whose brace secured the win over Niger.

Both forwards will be key to unlocking Togo’s defence as the Satellites aim to maintain their unbeaten run.

Head coach, Desmond Ofei, has expressed confidence in his squad's ability to get the job done. Reflecting on the previous match against Niger, Ofei acknowledged the difficulties his team faced but praised their ability to adapt and secure the win.

“It was a difficult first half. Niger did really well with their low block and two holding midfielders, so we struggled to find space. But in the second half, we changed our shape, found openings, and it was a well-deserved win,” Ofei said after the match last Sunday.

A place in the semifinals of the WAFU Championship not only brings the Black Satellites closer to sub regional glory but also keeps alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2025 FIFA under-20 World Cup in Chile, with the top four teams at the AFCON earning automatic spots.