Ghana’s Black Satellites face a stern test on Monday, May 5, 2025, as they take on defending champions Senegal in a crucial Group B clash at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The match will be held at the New Suez Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 PM local time, with both teams seeking their first win of the tournament after identical starts.
Ghana was held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening match, while Senegal also shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with the Central African Republic.
Despite failing to secure all three points, Black Satellites head coach Desmond Ofei is expected to stick with much of the same line-up.
However, CD Lugo midfielder Jerry Afriyie could return to the starting XI after making a significant impact off the bench in the game against DR Congo.
Abdul Sulemana, who earned the Man of the Match award in that game, is set to retain his place in midfield.
In goal, Gidios Aseako is expected to continue, supported by a back four comprising Andrews Adjabeng, McCarthy Ofori, Aaron Essel in central defence, and Dacosta Antwi at left-back.
Musibau Aziz, who scored Ghana’s goal in the opener, will once again lead the line following an impressive performance.
Senegal, meanwhile, is likely to name an unchanged side, with Mouhamed Sissokho in goal.
Cheikh Thiam, who scored in their opening game, is expected to anchor the midfield, while Ibrahim Dieng, despite not scoring, should continue to lead the line for the defending champions.
This encounter will mark only the second-ever meeting between the two sides at the U-20 AFCON.
Their first meeting came in 2019, when Senegal won 2-0. However, Ghana avenged that defeat with a 1-0 victory over the Young Lions of Teranga in the semi-finals of the 2023 African Games, a tournament Ghana hosted and won.
With regional pride and tournament momentum on the line, this match promises to be a defining moment in Group B. A win for Ghana would seal qualification to the knockout stages and send a strong message about their title ambitions, while Senegal will be desperate to avoid falling behind in their title defence.
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