WAFU B U20 Boys Cup: Black Satellites edge Benin to reach semi-finals

Ghana’s U-20 men’s national team secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benin on Wednesday at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

Despite playing the entire second half with 10 men, the Black Satellites held firm, with Golden Kick FC winger Bless Ege scoring the game’s only goal in the 52nd minute.

Ege latched onto a precise through ball from captain Aziz Misbau and calmly finished to give Ghana the crucial lead.

The first half offered little in terms of goalmouth action, though Ghana goalkeeper Gidios Aseako was called into action in the 31st minute to parry a dangerous strike.

The momentum shifted unfavourably for Ghana nine minutes later when Medeama SC forward Kelvin Nkrumah was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge.

Reduced to 10 men, Ghana reorganised and showed impressive resolve in the second half. Benin pushed forward in search of an equaliser and dominated possession but lacked the final product.

The Black Satellites had a golden chance to double their lead through Asante Kotoko’s Peter Amidu Acquah, but the winger missed narrowly in the 72nd minute.

Ghana finished second in Group A with four points after an opening 1-1 draw against Nigeria, who also advanced. Benin exited the competition without a point.