Black Satellites coach Desmond Ofei
Black Satellites coach Desmond Ofei has unveiled a revamped scouting strategy aimed at assembling a competitive squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The Ghana U20 team secured their place in the tournament after finishing as runners-up in the WAFU Zone B Championship, marking a remarkable turnaround under Ofei’s leadership.
Ofei inherited a team that had failed to qualify for the previous edition of the U20 AFCON. However, his tenure has brought about a transformation, with the team notably winning gold at the 2023 African Games.
In an interview with 3Sports, Ofei emphasized the importance of expanding the scouting network to ensure that every eligible talent has an opportunity to represent Ghana.
“To build a competitive and well-rounded U20 national team, it is essential to cast a wide scouting net that encompasses domestic leagues, regional competitions, and international talent pools. Our strategy outlines a comprehensive plan to identify and invite top talent for observation,” Ofei stated.
Ofei’s strategy includes scouting players from the Ghana Premier League, Division One League, and RFA leagues, alongside those who excelled during the qualifiers. Players from the squad that clinched gold at the African Games will also be reassessed, while international talents will be integrated to create a balanced team.
“We will broaden the scouting base to track young players globally, ensuring that we identify the best talents capable of excelling at the continental and international levels,” Ofei explained.
The selection process will focus on five key attributes: technical ability, tactical awareness, physical attributes, mentality and character, and growth potential.
Ofei highlighted the critical role of partnerships with local clubs, academies, and overseas agents in identifying and nurturing talent.
“By utilizing this multi-faceted approach, we can ensure that the U20 national team is well-equipped with the best available talent, both domestically and abroad, to compete at the highest level,” he concluded.
The Black Satellites aim to replicate their 2021 U20 AFCON success and secure qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup—a feat Ghana has not achieved since 2015.
The Black Satellites remain the only African side to have won the U20 World Cup, achieving the historic feat in 2009.
