Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has expressed deep disappointment following the Black Satellites’ elimination from the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana bowed out of the tournament in heartbreaking fashion on Monday after losing 5-4 on penalties to host nation Egypt in the quarterfinals. The Young Pharaohs advanced after the match ended 2-2 following extra time, with Ghana showing great resilience to come back from two goals down despite being reduced to 10 men.
One of Ghana’s standout players, goalkeeper Dacosta Antwi, missed his spot-kick in the shootout, sealing the team’s fate and ending hopes of progressing to the semi-finals and qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Reacting to the loss, Agyemang Badu, who represented Ghana at multiple international levels, said:
“It’s just unfortunate. It’s really sad for Ghanaians. The entire playing body would be disappointed. The team had a very good preparation for the tournament. We went to the tournament with a good team and also a good technical team led by Desmond Ofei. We were all optimistic of reaching at least the semifinals and booking a place at the World Cup in Chile, but it didn’t happen. It’s unfortunate.”
Ghana’s elimination means they will miss the U-20 FIFA World Cup for the fourth consecutive time. The last time the Black Satellites featured on the global stage was in 2015 in New Zealand.
