CAF U-20 Championship: Ghana becomes first team to beat Senegal in eight years

Ghana’s U20 national team, the Black Satellites, made a significant statement at the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt by handing Senegal a rare 1-0 defeat in their second Group C match. This historic victory marked the first time in eight years that any team has beaten Senegal in open play at the tournament.

The match-winner was Emmanuel Mensah, who stepped up in style to deliver a brilliant finish that sealed all three points for Ghana. His goal proved decisive and gave the Black Satellites a massive confidence boost as they head into their final group fixture against the Central African Republic on Thursday.

Senegal’s loss ended an impressive run of 12 group-stage matches without defeat — a streak that began in 2015 and included nine wins and three draws. The last time they lost at this stage of the competition was a 3-1 setback to Nigeria in 2015. Coincidentally, that same year also accounted for Senegal’s only two previous defeats to teams from the West African Football Union (WAFU), both at the hands of Nigeria — once in the group stage and again in the final.

Before facing Ghana, Senegal had a dominant record against fellow WAFU teams, tallying eight wins, two draws, and just two defeats in 12 prior matchups. This impressive run included a memorable 2-0 win over Ghana during the 2019 edition, with Youssouph Badji netting a first-half brace.

But Ghana’s triumph this time around delivered a rare blow to the Young Lions of Teranga, who are known for their consistency at this level. The loss also means that, for only the fourth time in tournament history, Senegal has failed to win either of their first two group matches — a pattern last seen in 1993, 1995, and 2015.

With one game left to play in the group stage, the spotlight now turns to the qualification picture. Ghana, buoyed by their latest win, will aim to carry the momentum into their clash with Central African Republic, while Senegal must now fight to stay in the competition with a crucial result needed in their final outing.