Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has pledged to rebuild Ghana’s U-20 national team and restore its status as one of Africa’s dominant youth sides following the team’s disappointing exit from the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship.
The Black Satellites were eliminated in the group stage after picking up two points from three matches in Côte d’Ivoire, but Konadu insists the setback will serve as motivation rather than discouragement as Ghana begins preparations for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will host.
“This is not going to demotivate us. Rather, it will encourage us to give our best. We have to move on, reorganise ourselves and come back stronger,” Konadu said.
The former Black Stars assistant coach acknowledged the high expectations that come with leading one of Africa’s most successful youth teams, stressing that anything short of winning trophies is unacceptable.
“This team has enjoyed so much success over the years, so any tournament without the trophy is never acceptable to Ghanaians. That is not what we came here for.”
Konadu reaffirmed his ambition to return the Black Satellites to their traditional standards after years of success on the continental and global stage.
“The Black Satellites have set very high standards over the years, and that is where we want to take the team back to,” he added.
Despite the early exit, the experienced tactician believes the WAFU B Championship provided valuable lessons and will help shape a stronger, more competitive squad capable of challenging for continental honours when Ghana hosts the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
