The Black Satellites of Ghana are set to begin their journey in the 2024 WAFU Zone B U-20 Cup of Nations, which runs from October 17 to 31 in Togo. Head coach Desmond Offei has finalized his 26-man squad, confident that the months of preparation will propel the team toward success.
The squad, which has been in camp for three months, underwent an intense training regimen that included a European tour. During the tour, the team faced several clubs in Belgium, where they tested their strength and tactics. However, the tour ended on a sobering note with a 5-0 loss to Germany in a high-profile friendly, providing a tough but valuable learning experience ahead of the tournament.
Now in Lome, the Black Satellites are focused on the task at hand, with their first match scheduled against Benin on Thursday, October 17. The team’s opening game will be a crucial one as they aim to build momentum in the group stage.
Coach Offei expressed optimism despite the team’s challenging European tour:
“The tour was an important phase of our preparation. While the result against Germany wasn’t what we hoped for, it gave us a clearer picture of where we need to improve. The boys are ready, and we are looking forward to our first game.”
The WAFU Zone B U-20 Cup of Nations serves as a platform for young talents to shine, with several players from the Satellites hoping to make a statement and attract scouts ahead of future opportunities. A strong performance in the tournament could also secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
With Ghana’s proud history in youth football, expectations are high for the Black Satellites. As they kick off their campaign against Benin, the players and coaching staff are determined to make their presence felt and aim for a title that will cement their reputation in the region.
