2025 WAFU Championship: Black Satellites eye semi-final spot in crunch clash with Benin

Black Satellites return to action on Wednesday in a crucial Group A showdown with Benin at the ongoing 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship.

The match, which kicks off at 3 pm local time at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, will determine who joins Nigeria in the semi-finals.

Ghana currently sit second in the group with one point after a 1-1 draw with Nigeria. With only three teams in the group, Nigeria have already booked their spot following a 4-1 win over Benin, leaving Ghana and Benin to battle it out for the remaining slot. A draw will be enough for the Black Satellites, while Benin must win to advance.

Coach Desmond Ofei’s side showed promise in their opener, with skipper Aziz Misbau impressing. But they’ll need to be sharper defensively and more clinical in front of goal to avoid a potential upset.

“We know what’s at stake, and we’re going all out for the win,” Ofei said. “Benin may have lost heavily to Nigeria, but they played some good football. We must stay focused, aggressive, and prove we deserve to go through.”

Benin coach Raymond Tchalè, meanwhile, is hoping for a strong response from his players. “We’re coming like a wounded lion. We need the win, and we’ll give everything to get it,” he said.

With a semi-final spot on the line, Wednesday’s encounter promises high stakes, intensity, and no shortage of drama. For Ghana, it’s about staying calm, staying sharp, and sealing the result that takes them one step closer to the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.