WAFU Zone B: Black Satellites coach Desmond Ofei reflects draw with Benin

Ghana’s U-20 team, the Black Satellites, secured a crucial 2-2 draw against Benin in their opening match of the WAFU Zone B tournament, held in Togo on Thursday.

The Black Satellites took the lead early in the game, with Jerry Afriyie finding the net, but their advantage was short-lived. Benin quickly responded when Modeste Konoudji scored a well-placed header in the 27th minute. Just before the break, Benin capitalized on a defensive lapse and took a 2-1 lead, putting Ghana under pressure. However, deep into stoppage time (92nd minute), Afriyie came to Ghana’s rescue once again, converting a penalty to earn a hard-fought point for his side.

Speaking after the match, Ghana’s head coach, Desmond Ofei, acknowledged his team’s struggle to impose their game plan against a determined Benin side.

“It was a tough match, and Benin came well-prepared with a strategy to play direct football. We found it difficult to get into our rhythm,” Ofei admitted. “Looking at the goals we conceded, especially the second one, I think we were a bit unlucky. But I’m proud of the boys for fighting back to ensure we didn’t lose today, which was crucial.”

Although the Black Satellites didn’t get off to a flying start in their quest to qualify for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Ofei remained positive about his team’s prospects.

“We are pleased to have found our rhythm towards the end of the game. It took some time to settle, but now that the initial pressure is off, we’re looking forward to our next match against Niger,” he said. “We have great talent in this squad, and while it’s always challenging to get into the flow in the first game of a tournament, how we finished gives me a lot of confidence going forward.”

Having missed out on qualifying for the 2023 U-20 AFCON, the Black Satellites are determined to make a strong comeback and replicate their 2021 success. Ghana’s next match will be a crucial encounter against Niger on Sunday, October 20, at the Stade Municipal, followed by a final group stage clash with host nation Togo.