The Black Satellites are bracing themselves for a high-stakes battle against defending champions Ivory Coast in the semi-finals of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship. The clash, scheduled for 19:00 GMT on Sunday at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, promises drama, intensity, and a fierce fight for a place in the final.
The Black Satellites secured their spot after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria and narrowly defeating Benin 1-0. Head Coach Desmond Ofei is confident his side has what it takes to overcome the Ivorians. “Ivory Coast are a strong side, no doubt,” he admitted. “But we’re the host nation, and with the fans behind us, we are going all out for it. We want to be in the final — nothing else matters.”
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, are the tournament’s in-form team. They won all three group games — against Burkina Faso (2-1), Niger (1-0), and Togo (2-0) — and arrive in the semi-finals brimming with confidence. “I love the dynamism in this team,” said Ivorian Head Coach Younes Zerdouk. “We came here to win, and we are focused on defending our title.”
For Ivory Coast captain Gouddousse Bamba, Sunday’s match is more than a semi-final — it’s personal. “We lost to Ghana during the U20 AFCON Qualifiers in Togo a few months ago. This is our chance to make things right. We want revenge,” he stated boldly.
Ghana midfielder Kelvin Ahiable, however, believes football will do the talking. “It will be a tough match — no one is denying that. But we’re ready. The field will decide, and I believe Ghana will win in the end.”
The match is a repeat of recent rivalries, and with pride, progression, and regional supremacy on the line, Sunday’s encounter is poised to be one of the tournament’s most electrifying games yet.
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