Ghana’s U-20 national team, the Black Satellites, recorded their first victory at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 1-0 win over defending champions Senegal on Monday night at the New Suez Stadium.
After opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Coach Desmond Ofei’s side delivered a resolute performance to secure all three points in their second Group C match.
The Black Satellites began brightly, with Aziz Issah nearly giving Ghana an early lead. Senegal responded quickly, testing goalkeeper Gidios Aseako twice in the opening minutes—first through Yaya Dieme, and then with a well-struck free kick from the Senegalese captain.
Despite Senegal’s early pressure and dominance, Ghana made the most of their only shot on target in the first half. Jerry Afriyie, who was handed a starting role, set up Emmanuel Mensah with a perfectly timed assist, which Mensah calmly finished with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper to put Ghana ahead.
The Satellites held onto their slender lead going into the break, despite being largely outplayed in terms of possession and chances created.
Senegal resumed the second half strongly, but Aseako continued his impressive performance, pulling off several key saves to keep Ghana in front.
The Ghana shot-stopper was eventually shown a yellow card for time-wasting as Senegal pushed for an equaliser late in the game.
Ghana’s narrow victory moves them level on points at the top of Group C ahead of their final group-stage match against the Central African Republic.
Meanwhile, Senegal now face a must-win clash against DR Congo to keep their title defence alive.