By: Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s hopes of reaching the final of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Cup were dashed after the Black Satellites suffered a 2-1 defeat to defending champions Ivory Coast in a tightly contested semifinal. The match, held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, saw early promise from Ghana’s Benjamin Tsivanyo, who fired the home side into the lead. However, the Young Elephants responded strongly to level the score before halftime.
Following the break, both teams fought intensely for the winning goal in a game marked by fierce competition and tactical discipline. Despite Ghana controlling possession for large spells, Ivory Coast’s resilient defense and clinical finishing proved decisive, as they netted the match-winning goal to secure their place in the final against Nigeria.
The loss ended Ghana’s dream of capturing the WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Cup on home soil — a campaign that had shown promise after the Black Satellites finished second in Group A with a hard-fought progression to the semifinals. Ghana will now prepare to face Niger in the third-place playoff, scheduled alongside the final for Wednesday, July 23.
Throughout the tournament, Ghana displayed moments of brilliance, including an impressive ten-man victory over Benin in the group stages. Captain Aziz Misbau, Benjamin Tsivanyo, and key striker Bless Ege were among the standout performers who helped the team earn a semifinal berth — affirming the depth of talent in Ghana’s youth ranks.
