The Black Satellites will return to action on Wednesday, July 17, when they take on Benin in a decisive Group A fixture of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Championship at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. The match, which is both teams’ final group outing, kicks off at 15:00 GMT.
Ghana currently sit on one point after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria in their opening match. Benin, on the other hand, are bottom of the group following a 4-1 defeat to the Flying Eagles of Nigeria. For Benin, it’s all or nothing — only a win will see them through to the semi-finals. Ghana, however, need just a draw to advance.
Black Satellites head coach Desmond Ofei has made it clear that his team is going all out for victory. Despite Benin’s heavy loss to Nigeria, Ofei expects a tough challenge. “It’s an important game for us because we have to win to qualify,” he stated. “Despite their loss to Nigeria, they played well. We have to be sharp and hungry, show that we are the better side to get the 3 points.”
Benin coach Raymond Tchalè is also confident his side will respond strongly, likening their approach to that of a wounded lion. “We know what is at stake. We are going to throw in everything. Nothing but a win matters, and we’ll fight for it,” he said.
The game promises high tension and drama, as both teams aim to secure a place in the semi-finals and keep their hopes of qualifying for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations alive. The equation is simple: Black Satellites must avoid defeat, Benin must win.
With a place in the knockout stage on the line, Wednesday’s clash is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s most gripping encounters.
