Black Satellites claim dominant win over Niger in WAFU Zone B U20 Championship
20th October 2024
The Black Satellites continued their strong start to the 2024 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship with a commanding 2-0 victory over Niger on Sunday, keeping their semifinal hopes alive.
Following a hard-fought 2-2 comeback draw against Benin in their Group A opener, Ghana secured their first win of the tournament at the Stade Municipal in Lome, Togo.
Coach Desmond Ofei made three changes to his lineup, bringing in Benjamin Twum of Young Apostles, Hayford Adu Boahen from Cheetah FC, and Real Sociedad's Andrews Adjabeng.
The Nigeriens put up a solid defensive display in the first half, holding Ghana to a goalless draw, with their goalkeeper Soulemana Yacouba making crucial saves against Jerry Afriyie and Dennis Appiah-Kubi.
The breakthrough came in the second half when Dreams FC forward Musibau Aziz scored twice after the hour mark. His first goal, a stunning long-range strike, came in the 64th minute, giving Ghana the lead.
Nine minutes later, he doubled the advantage by calmly finishing a pass from Afriyie to secure the win for the Black Satellites.
Ghana will now face hosts Togo in their final Group A match on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, as they aim to qualify for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.