by Emmanuel Atanga | May 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Queens are setting their sights on continental glory as head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren boldly declares his ambition to lead the team to their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The Swedish tactician has opened a nine-day training camp at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, assembling 31 players — 24 of whom are home-based — in preparation for the upcoming tournament in Morocco this July. It marks Ghana’s return to WAFCON since their last appearance in 2018.
Bjorkegren, who has been actively scouting local talent, sees the camp as a crucial opportunity to build team chemistry and assess players up close.
“For me, to see all the players in Ghana is impossible. I can maybe catch one game at 3pm, but after that, there’s nothing more,” he explained. “This camp is a great chance for me to get to know many players — both on and off the pitch.”
Drawn into a challenging group with defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, the Black Queens face a tough path to the knockout stage. However, Bjorkegren remains optimistic.
“To win gold, it’s simple — take it step by step,” he said. “We may not be the favorites, but once we get out of the group, it’s three more games. And I believe we can do it.”
The Black Queens, three-time WAFCON runners-up, are eager to rewrite history and claim their maiden continental crown under the guidance of their determined new head coach.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana U20 goalkeeper Gidios Aseako has set his sights on a top-place finish in Group C of the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, as the Black Satellites prepare for a decisive clash against the Central African Republic on Thursday in Egypt.
The Dreams FC shot-stopper played a key role in Ghana’s narrow 1-0 victory over Senegal, a result that has positioned the Black Satellites second in the group standings. With leaders DR Congo set to face Senegal at the same time, a win for Ghana could see them leapfrog to the summit, depending on the outcome of the other fixture.
“The experience in Egypt has been good,” Aseako shared. “We have to win and top the group. The mentality of the team is strong, and we are determined to win tomorrow and go all the way.”
Ghana opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo and know that finishing among the top four is crucial for qualification to the FIFA U20 World Cup scheduled for later this year in Chile. The four-time champions are eager to return to the global stage and add another proud chapter to their rich U20 legacy.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana U20 midfielder Lord Afrifa believes the Black Satellites are fully prepared for their decisive group clash against the Central African Republic (CAR) at the ongoing 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Afrifa, who plies his trade with Austrian side Sturm Graz, has been instrumental for Ghana throughout the tournament. His standout performance in the impressive win over reigning champions Senegal on Monday has drawn praise, solidifying his role as a key figure in the team’s setup.
Currently sitting second in Group C, the Black Satellites need just a draw to book their place in the quarterfinals. However, a convincing win on Thursday would see them leapfrog into first place, a feat that would give them a more favorable path in the knockout stages.
“Tomorrow’s game will be tough. CAR are good, but we’re ready,” Afrifa said in a pre-match interview. “The teams in this tournament have shown quality, but Ghana is ready for any challenge.”
With eyes firmly set on a semi-final finish, the Ghanaian squad is also targeting qualification for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup scheduled for later this year in Chile. Reaching the last four of the AFCON tournament would secure their ticket to the global showpiece.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
As the sun sets over the Suez Canal Stadium, the Black Satellites of Ghana are bracing for what head coach Desmond Ofei has described as their “final” group stage battle in the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). With qualification on the line, the young Ghanaians are set to lock horns with a determined Central African Republic (CAR) side this afternoon at 15:00 GMT.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Ghana sits second in Group C with four points and needs at least a draw to advance to the knockout stage. But Ofei, ever the tactician, is wary of the danger posed by their opponents.
“CAR is a very enterprising team,” he noted in his pre-match briefing. “They’ve scored in every group game so far and shown they can hurt teams. We can’t afford to be complacent against a hardworking side like them.”
With a place in the next round hanging in the balance, Ofei is urging his squad to approach the game with the right mindset. “We need a good result to guarantee qualification. This is like a final for us, and we are treating it with the urgency it deserves,” he emphasized.
Despite the pressure, the Black Satellites appear well-prepared. Ofei assured fans that the technical team has crafted a solid plan for the encounter. “Our team is prepared. We’ve worked on our plan, and now it’s about delivering on the pitch.”
All eyes will be on the Suez Canal Stadium as Ghana looks to keep their U-20 AFCON dream alive with a disciplined and focused performance.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
As the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) intensifies in Egypt, Black Satellites head coach Desmond Ofei has hailed the growing confidence of his team ahead of their crucial final Group C clash against the Central African Republic (CAR).
Set to kick off at 15:00 GMT on Thursday at the Suez Canal Stadium, the match is pivotal for Ghana’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage — and potentially earning a spot in this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Following a determined 1-1 draw with DR Congo and a gritty 1-0 victory over defending champions Senegal, the Black Satellites are full of belief. After their first training session in Ismailia, Ofei spoke highly of the team’s mindset.
“The attitude today was spot on,” he said. “The boys understand what’s at stake, and the tempo at training reflected that. We’re building toward Thursday with confidence.”
Ghana will be counting on that momentum to overcome CAR and secure a top-four finish in the tournament — a gateway to the world stage later this year.
