The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially unveiled the Black Satellites squad for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, less than 24 hours before the team’s opening fixture against DR Congo.
The delayed announcement sparked criticism from fans and journalists, who had pressed the GFA for transparency regarding player selection ahead of the prestigious continental tournament.
The 26-man squad features a blend of domestic and foreign-based talent, including promising forward Jerry Afriyie, who plays for CD Lugo in Spain, and attacking midfielder Abdul Aziz Issah of FC Barcelona B.
Also named is Dreams FC striker Aziz Musibau, who will be key to Ghana’s attacking options. The squad is led by head coach Desmond Sakyi Ofei.
The Black Satellites, who are based in Suez for the tournament, are preparing to face DR Congo on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Suez Stadium.
Kick-off is set for 18:00 GMT. Ghana are drawn in Group C and will aim to advance to the knockout stages, with a top-two finish or one of the best third-placed slots guaranteeing a quarterfinal berth.
Four semi-finalists from the tournament will also qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Ghana qualified for the U-20 AFCON as runners-up in the WAFU Zone B Championship.
With players from clubs such as Real Sociedad, FC Sturm Graz, and Zulte Waregem in the squad, expectations are high for a strong performance.