AFCON U20: Ghanaians Slam Black Satellites After Draw With DR Congo: “They Aren’t Good Enough”
- Ghana began the 2025 U-20 AFCON tournament on a disappointing note, drawing with DR Congo on Friday night
- The four-time African champions struggled to find their rhythm and looked incoherent in their build-up play
- They would hope to get their house in order before locking horns against defending champions Senegal
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Ghanaian supporters have voiced their frustration after the Black Satellites were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group C fixture at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite boasting an impressive roster filled with exciting talents such as Barcelona Athletic's Abdul Aziz Issah and 2023 African Games breakout star Jerry Afriyie, the team struggled to impose itself throughout Friday night’s contest at the Suez Stadium.
Source: Twitter
Disjointed Ghana held to 1-1 draw by DR Congo
Falling behind in the first half, Ghana had to rally to salvage a point, but the performance left much to be desired, as noted by CAF Online.
From the onset, the Satellites lacked cohesion.
Their build-up play was disjointed, with a noticeable absence of coordinated off-the-ball runs and synchronised movement in the final third.
Though they managed to carve out a few decent openings, poor decision-making and excessive dribbling meant those moments rarely threatened to shift momentum.
Coach Desmond Offei, seeking to reignite the spark that saw his side claim gold on home soil during the 2023 African Games, introduced tactical adjustments, rotating personnel in an attempt to lift the team’s intensity.
Yet, the rhythm remained flat, and the collective approach fell apart under minimal pressure.
Fans rip into Black Satellites after draw
Fans did not hold back their displeasure, taking to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their disappointment with both the technical bench and the players’ lack of urgency and structure.
@As3mabagh1 simply put:
"Them shaa ooo eii."
@OgreyYamoah pinpointed the team’s lack of chemistry:
"We lacked team work."
@AOkpeseh was more analytical:
"Too many fouls committed, selfishness. Unable to pass the play. Was just annoying to watch."
@poundz__mk took aim at the tactical direction:
"Ghana played with no plan."
@opuro_wofa questioned the talent pool:
"Are these the best U20 players we have in this country??? 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️. Their vision for passing and accuracy is very, very poor. Throughout the game they kept underhitting the passes. Simple 1/2 passes and through passes were a problem."
These criticisms reflect broader concerns about the team’s technical discipline.
Source: Twitter
Ghana’s inability to execute basic passing combinations and lack of composure in transition moments revealed cracks in preparation and possibly over-reliance on individual brilliance rather than structured play.
Sports journalist preaches patience
Speaking to YEN.com.gh, Stephen Zando of Luv FM urged patience with the Black Satellites following their opening match.
“Owing to Ghana’s storied slow start to tournaments, it will be too early to judge these boys.
"While I admit their overall team play was poor, it is understandable considering how the preparations for the competition went. Nevertheless, I reckon that we will see an improved performance subsequently.”
What lies ahead
With their tournament campaign now under scrutiny, the Black Satellites face a stern test next.
According to Flashscore, they are set to battle defending champions Senegal, who were themselves held to a 1-1 draw by the Central African Republic, on Monday, May 5, at 18:00 GMT.
It’s a clash that could shape Group C’s trajectory, and if Ghana hopes to reignite its quest for a World Cup berth, significant improvements will be required.
Michael Amer handed new jersey number
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Michael Amer is set to don Ghana’s colours at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The son of businessman Ibrahim Mahama received a new squad number following the official announcement of the final team list on Thursday, May 1.
Source: YEN.com.gh
