By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s U-20 national team, the Black Satellites, is set to participate in a four-nation tournament in Morocco from March 17-25, 2025. This preparatory event is crucial as the team readies itself for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 18, 2025. The tournament in Morocco will provide the technical team with a platform to assess the squad’s readiness and test their mettle against strong opposition, essential for the challenges ahead in the continental championship.
In the lead-up to the tournament, the Black Satellites have been actively engaging in friendly matches against Ghana Premier League sides such as Accra Hearts of Oak, Nations FC and Heart of Lions, as well as lower-tier clubs in Accra. These matches are pivotal for building team cohesion and enhancing their competitive edge, ensuring the squad is well-prepared for the upcoming events.
The U-20 AFCON will see Ghana competing in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Tanzania, DR Congo, and a team from the Central African Football Federations Union (UNIFAC). This grouping presents a challenging path for the Black Satellites, who will need to leverage their experience and skills to navigate the tournament successfully. The team’s performance in Morocco will serve as a litmus test for their AFCON campaign, offering a glimpse into their readiness for the continental stage.
The Black Satellites boast a storied history in youth football, having won the U-20 AFCON four times (1993, 1999, 2009, and 2021) and making history as the first African team to clinch the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009. This legacy underscores their status as one of Africa’s most successful youth teams, adding depth and expectations to their current campaign.
