Black Satellites head coach Desmond Ofei has opted to start without star forward Jerry Afriyie for their opening game of the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations against DR Congo.
Afriyie was Ghana’s top scorer during the WAFU Zone B qualifiers, so the decision comes as a surprise. His pace and eye for goal were expected to be central to Ghana’s attacking threat, but Ofei has instead gone with a front line featuring Emmanuel Mensah, Musibau Aziz, and Joseph Opoku.
Musibau, who scored twice and was named MVP in the qualifiers, will now carry the bulk of the attacking responsibility in Afriyie’s absence.
In midfield, Ishmael Addo, Abdul Sulemana, and Denis Marfo get the nod, with the trio tasked with controlling possession and linking up play.
The defence is anchored by captain Ofori McCarthy, who partners with Aaron Essel, Dacosta Antwi, and Andrews Adjabeng.
Gidios Aseako starts in goal.
This bold selection may be aimed at rotating the squad or keeping Afriyie fresh for later group-stage battles, but it certainly adds intrigue ahead of kick-off at the New Suez Stadium in Egypt.
The Black Satellites, four-time champions of the competition, will be hoping to get off to a winning start as they pursue a record-extending fifth U-20 AFCON title.
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