AFCON U20
U-20 AFCON: We have quality – Ofei on the Black Satellites
Ghana’s U-20 head coach, Desmond Ofei, has extolled team quality ahead of the tie against host nation, Egypt in the quarter finals of the ongoing AFCON U20.
Speaking in his pre-game interview ahead of the game, he lauded the abilities of his opponents but acknowledged his side’s superiority and the need to get a win which will aid them secure qualification to the World Cup.
“This is going to be like a final for us. It’s a qualifier to the World Cup and that means everything. We are not just playing a nation; we are also playing against history.”
“Egypt is a decent and good side. Ghanaians know their strengths. They have some very technically gifted players. I respect the team, but I also believe we have quality. And we know our quality,” he said.
“Yes, Ghana has a history, but it’s not a burden. We understand what football means to Ghanaians. This is a fantastic opportunity for these boys and the entire team to elevate themselves,” he said.
The Black Satellites will square off with Egypt at 1500 GMT.
The Amajitas of South Africa crowned a fine display of performance with a win over Morocco in the finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations at Cairo International Stadium.
Both teams raced to the finals on the back of impressive wins over Nigeria and Egypt, respectively, in the semi-finals.
READ MORE : Match Report : Kotoko roast Dreams FC at Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The first failed to produce any goals between the two teams after the cagey encounter.
Gomolemo Kekana’s stunning right-footed 70th-minute strike bent beautifully into the top corner to give the Amajitas the lead.
The win marked South Africa’s first victory in the U-20 AFCON competition after losing their only final in 1997 to Morocco.
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Meanwhile, Nigeria beat Egypt in the 3rd place playoff.
Four countries, South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria, and Egypt, have qualified for the World Cup U20.
Ghana forward Jerry Afriyie has rejoined the Black Satellites camp in Egypt from Spain.
Afriyie temporarily left camp to team up with his Spanish side, CD Lugo, in a scheduled league fixture Gimnàstic.
He was on hand to score and assist rallying them from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Gimnàstic in the Primera Federación.
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The 19-year-old attacker has played two games for the Black Satellites all from the substitute bench and will hope to make his first appearance in the crucial duel against host nation, Egypt.
READ MORE : AFCON U-20 : Ghana take on Egypt
Ghana will take on Egypt on Monday, May 12, at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) at the new Suez Stadium for a a slot in the semi-finals and an automatic slot to the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Ghana’s Black Satellites will go head-to-head with Egypt in one of four quarter-final pairings in the ongoing AFCON U-20 tournament.
The West African nation topped their group with 7 seven points after beating defending champions Senegal, Central African Republic and managing a draw in their group opener against Congo DR in Group C.
READ MORE : Match Highlights : Ghana 1-0 Central African Republic
Egypt had to do it the hard way after they finished as one of the best third-placed teams from Group A.
READ MORE : AFCON U20 : Ghana beat Central Africa Republic
The two teams will hope to solidify a place in the semi-finals which will gain qualification to the World Cup when they play on Monday,12,2025.
QUARTER FINALS
Ghana vs Egypt
South Africa vs DR Congo
Senegal vs Nigeria
Morocco vs Sierra Leone
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