Ghana U-20 head coach Desmond Ofei is optimistic that his team will sharpen their finishing and deliver a more clinical performance when they face reigning champions Senegal in their second Group C clash at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

After a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their tournament opener at the Suez Stadium, Ofei acknowledged his side’s missed chances but took positives from their overall display.

“Unfortunately, we conceded that goal. But I feel like we dominated the game,” Ofei said in his post-match comments. “We have to finish our chances — and it will surely happen in the next game.”

Ghana went behind in the 16th minute after a well-timed assist from Messy Manitu allowed Samuel Ntanda to put DR Congo ahead. The Black Satellites reacted swiftly, equalising in the 24th minute through Aziz Musibau, who latched onto a brilliant through ball from Emmanuel Mensah.

Both sides had opportunities to grab a winner in the second half, but solid defending and errant finishing meant the points were shared. Ghana looked dangerous on the counter but were unable to capitalize on their momentum.

With all four teams in Group C tied on one point after identical 1-1 results, Ghana’s May 5 encounter with Senegal is shaping up to be a crucial tie in the race for qualification to the knockout stages.