U-20 AFCON 2025: Joseph Opoku scores winner as Black Satellites finish top of Group C – Nsemkeka
The Black Satellites finished off their group stage campaign in the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a late win over Central African Republic.
Belgium-based Joseph Opoku came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 82nd minute to hand Desmond Ofei’s side a second win in the competition.
Ghana came into the fixture on the back of a draw against DR Congo and a 1-0 win over Senegal, looking to keep their unbeaten record intact.
Central African Republic, on the other hand, drew their opener against Senegal before losing to DR Congo in their second game.
Ghana had several opportunities to go ahead, with the majority of them falling to Abdul Aziz Issah, but the Barcelona B midfielder was unable to make the most of his chances as the two teams went into the break with nothing to separate them.
The Black Satellites continued their dominance after recess and threatened on several occasions, but still found no joy.
In the 82nd minute, however, there was a breakthrough.
Opoku, who had come off the bench minutes earlier, found himself on the receiving end of a long pass from Ishamel Addo before beating his markers and striking a low finish past the CAR goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Ghana defended their lead and finished the game with all three points, going top of Group C with seven points.
Ofei’s side secure a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face off against one of the third-placed teams in Group A or B.
The result also means Ghana are one win away from returning to the global stage at the U-20 level.