Ghana and DR Congo played out a gripping 1-1 draw in their opening Group C clash at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, held Thursday evening at the Suez Stadium in Egypt.

The match began cautiously, but it was DR Congo who found the early breakthrough. In the 16th minute, a lapse in Ghana’s defense proved costly. Midfielder Messy Manitu unlocked the Ghanaian backline with a precision pass, and striker Samuel Ntanda coolly finished to put the Congolese side ahead.

The early setback stirred the Black Satellites into action. Just eight minutes later, they responded in style. Emmanuel Mensah weaved a slick pass through DR Congo’s defense, setting up Aziz Musibau, who showed poise and control to fire in the equalizer.

The remainder of the game was fiercely contested. DR Congo applied attacking pressure in the second half but were often let down by poor finishing in the final third. Ghana, meanwhile, looked threatening on the counter but couldn’t find the decisive goal.

In the end, both teams settled for a point each in a tightly fought encounter. Ghana now faces defending champions Senegal in their next match—a daunting challenge—while DR Congo prepares to meet the Central African Republic in what could be a crucial tie for their campaign.