Black Satellites Crash Out of U-20 AFCON After Penalty Shootout Loss to Egypt
Ghana’s Black Satellites have been eliminated from the 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations following a heartbreaking 5-4 defeat on penalties to hosts Egypt in the quarter-finals. The loss also means Ghana will miss out on a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Despite topping Group B with an impressive group-stage performance, the Black Satellites fell short at the New Suez Stadium on Sunday night after a dramatic 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time.
Egypt got off to a flying start with a brace from Al Ittihad Alexandria forward Momen Sherif, putting the hosts 2-0 up within the first 30 minutes.
Ghana responded with resilience. Barcelona U-19 midfielder Abdul Aziz Issah pulled one back before halftime, and Danish-based winger Abdul Hakim Sulemana completed the comeback in the second half, forcing the game into extra time. However, with no further goals scored, the match went to penalties, where the Egyptians edged out Ghana 5-4.
Sulemana, who was named Man of the Match for the second time in the tournament, expressed his disappointment after the defeat.
“I think we came all out. It’s always hard when you are 2-0 down and then come back. We gave all our hearts, and that’s why we wanted to win. But unfortunately, we didn’t have luck on our side,” he said.
“The aim was to qualify for the World Cup and then win the trophy, but unfortunately, we’re out at the quarterfinals. We are not happy at all.”
Coach Desmond Ofei and his squad are expected to arrive back in Ghana later today. Several players are set to return to their clubs immediately to resume domestic and international duties.
