Ghana’s U20 national team defender, Dacosta Antwi, has earned a major recognition at the ongoing 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being named in the tournament’s Best XI from the group stage.

The Young Apostles centre-back has been a rock in defence for the Black Satellites, who progressed to the knockout stage after a strong showing in Group C. Antwi featured in all three matches, helping Ghana keep things tight at the back with just one goal conceded. His standout performances were crucial as the Satellites held DR Congo to a draw before sealing impressive wins over defending champions Senegal and the Central African Republic.

Antwi’s selection in the team of the group stage sees him line up alongside Nigeria’s Daniel Bameyi and Odinaka Okoro, with Sierra Leone’s Nathaniel Jalloh completing the defensive unit. Zambia’s Levison Banda was named best goalkeeper, while his countryman Joseph Sabobo leads the attack.

Other players who made the prestigious list include Morocco’s Othmane Maama, Samuel Lukisa-Ntanda, Lazola Maku from South Africa, Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara, and Kelvin Wangaya of Kenya.

As anticipation builds, Antwi and his teammates will take on tournament hosts Egypt in a crucial quarter-final clash on Monday.