Ghana turns focus to WAFU tournament after U23 AFCON embarrassment

Ghana’s under-20 side, the Black Satellites, are set to participate in the WAFU Zone B Boys Cup of Nations which will commence on Friday, July 7, 2023, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The tournament comes off a week after Ghana's under-23 side, the Black Meteors were eliminated from the U23 AFCON at the group stages.

Ghana will compete with five other countries from the sub-region following the withdrawal of Nigeria.

There is pressure on the Black Satellites to perform better and hopefully make to the finals to earn qualification for the U20 AFCON after a disappointing tournament in 2022.

The Black Satellites under coach Karim Zito were knocked out of the group stages at the 2022 WAFU Zone B Boys Cup of Nations.

The Black Satellites who are being led by former Hearts of Oak coach, Samuel Boadu will aim to improve Ghana’s performance in 2022 when the team exited at the group stages.

Ghana won the WAFU Zone B Boys Cup of Nations in Benin in 2021.

The Black Satellites are paired in Group A with host Cote D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Niger as Benin and Togo square off in Group B.

The two finalists of the WAFU Zone B Boys Cup of Nations will qualify for the U20 AFCON.

The Black Satellites began camping at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence at Prampram in March in preparation for international competitions including the WAFU Zone B Boys Cup in Cote D’Ivoire.

The team has engaged in a series of friendly matches in readiness for the Cup competition.

JNA/FNOQ