GFA Announces Ghana’s Final Squad for U-20 AFCON Clash with DR Congo

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially released the Black Satellites’ final squad for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Egypt. The announcement came just a day before the team’s opening Group C match against DR Congo, drawing mixed reactions from fans and football analysts.

The 26-man squad, unveiled on the eve of Ghana’s tournament debut, features a promising mix of local talents and rising international stars. However, the timing of the release—less than 24 hours before the first fixture—sparked public concern. Many supporters and sports journalists criticized the GFA for the delay, citing a lack of transparency and a missed opportunity to build fan excitement and engagement ahead of one of the continent’s most prestigious youth tournaments.

Despite the controversy surrounding the announcement, attention now turns to the selected players and their potential to deliver on the continental stage. Among the standout names is forward Jerry Afriyie, who currently plays for Spanish side CD Lugo. Known for his pace and goal-scoring instincts, Afriyie is expected to play a leading role in Ghana’s attack. He is joined by fellow Europe-based star Abdul Aziz Issah, an attacking midfielder who features for FC Barcelona B. Issah’s creativity and vision in midfield are seen as key assets for the team.

On the local front, Dreams FC striker Aziz Musibau has earned his place in the squad following an impressive domestic season. His inclusion provides the team with additional firepower and versatility up front. The squad also includes players plying their trade with European clubs such as Real Sociedad in Spain, FC Sturm Graz in Austria, and Belgium’s Zulte Waregem, signaling a growing international presence within Ghana’s youth setup.

Head coach Desmond Sakyi Ofei, who has been working closely with the team during their preparation camp, will lead the young squad into the competition. Known for his technical acumen and focus on player development, Ofei is tasked with guiding Ghana through a challenging group stage as they aim for a spot in the knockout rounds.

The Black Satellites are based in the city of Suez, where they will kick off their AFCON journey against DR Congo on Friday, May 2, at the Suez Stadium. The match is scheduled for an 18:00 GMT kick-off. Ghana is placed in Group C and will be targeting at least a top-two finish, or one of the best third-place records, to advance to the quarterfinals.

The stakes are high this year, with the top four teams from the tournament securing qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. For Ghana, a country with a proud tradition in youth football—including their historic FIFA U-20 World Cup victory in 2009—reaching the semifinal stage is not just a goal but an expectation.

Ghana earned its place in the 2025 U-20 AFCON after finishing as runners-up in the WAFU Zone B Championship. The team’s qualification campaign highlighted both resilience and talent, giving fans hope that this new generation of Black Satellites can restore the country’s dominance at the youth level.

As the tournament begins, all eyes will be on how this blend of domestic standouts and international prospects will perform under pressure. While the squad announcement may have come late, the quality and depth of the team offer optimism. With the likes of Afriyie, Issah, and Musibau leading the charge, and with Ofei at the helm, Ghana will look to make a strong statement—not just against DR Congo, but throughout the tournament.