Ghana’s U20 team faces a critical challenge ahead of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations—finding a reliable striker. National team technical advisor and GFA Director of Football, Winfried Schafer, has pinpointed the lack of a strong number nine as a major weakness in the Black Satellites squad.

After a goalless draw against Hearts of Oak, Schafer expressed concerns over the team’s attacking inefficiency. “The match was good, but in the first half, nobody took a shot at goal. We had 70% contact, but no final pass. We need a strong number nine—someone who can keep the ball and attack crosses,” he emphasized.

Ghana’s U20 team will battle in Group A against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Tanzania, and another Central African side yet to be confirmed. With AFCON fast approaching, Schafer’s words underline the urgency of sharpening the team’s frontline.

The experienced tactician also weighed in on Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further emphasizing the need for attacking reinforcements across the national teams.