01/11/2024
The Black Satellites of Ghana have qualified for the 2025 Under-20 (U20) Africa Cup of Nations despite losing the just ended 2024 U-20 WAFU B Cup of Nations Championship title to their Nigerian arch-rivals, the Flying Eagles.
The Satellites lost the Nations Championship title after they were beaten 2-1 in the final by the Eagles on Wednesday night, October 30 in Togo.
A better Nigeria side took an early lead after they opened the scoring with a brilliant finish from Kparobo Arierhi in the 33rd minute of the game.
To secure a brace for himself, Kparobo later leveraged a defence mishap to double the lead for the Flying Eagles few minutes before the game went into recess.
With a two-goal deficit to clear, Desmond Ofei’s Satellites came back into the second half with a spirited display of dominance, seeking to overturn the scoreline but could not make the most of the opportunities created.
However, Thoughts FC forward Jerry Afriyie headed home his fifth goal of the tournament 15 minutes to stoppage time, reducing Ghana’s deficit to 2-1 and creating a tense finish.
Despite Black Satellites’ attempt to equalise, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria tightened their defencing tactics to ensure they win the game, and were deservedly rewarded for their efforts as they lifted the trophy at the end.
Meanwhile, Thoughts FC forward Jerry Afriyie’s display of unparalleled skills throughout the tournament earned him the Most Valuable Player Award and a Golden Boot, having finished as the top scorer with five goals in five matches.
Regardless of the result on Wednesday night in Togo, Both Ghana and Nigeria have automatically qualified for the upcoming 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by South Africa in January next year.
The 2025 U20 AFCON will also serve as the qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, with the top four earning automatic spots.
By: Maxwell Woyram Tsigbe