Ghana’s U-20 national team, the Black Satellites, clinched the top spot in Group C of the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Central African Republic in their final group stage match.
Super-sub Joseph Amankwaah Opoku proved to be the difference, netting the decisive goal in the 84th minute to seal a hard-fought win for the Ghanaians.
The result preserved Ghana’s unbeaten run in the tournament and confirmed their dominance in the group.
The Satellites entered the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with DR Congo and a 1-0 triumph over Senegal.
Meanwhile, the Central African Republic had picked up a point against Senegal but fell to defeat in their second match against DR Congo.
Despite creating multiple chances, Ghana struggled to convert, with Abdul Aziz Issah missing a number of promising opportunities. However, their resilient defending ensured they held onto their slim lead until the final whistle.
The victory saw Ghana finish the group stage with seven points, booking a spot in the quarter-finals where they will face one of the third-placed teams from either Group A or B.
Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz Issah was named the Man of the Match.
With eyes set on a place in the semi-finals, Desmond Ofei’s side is just one win away from securing qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, set to be hosted in Chile later this year.