Ghana U20 head coach, Desmond Ofei, says the Black Satellites are highly motivated and ready for battle as they prepare for the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship.

Ofei is aiming to lead the team to glory following a disappointing campaign at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, where Ghana was knocked out by host nation Egypt in the quarter-finals, missing out on qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

The Black Satellites have been drawn in a tough Group A alongside arch-rivals Nigeria and Benin. Ofei’s side will kick off their campaign with a highly anticipated clash against defending champions Nigeria on Thursday, July 10, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, with kickoff scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

Speaking to the media ahead of the encounter, Ofei made it clear that the focus is on his team’s performance, not the opposition.

“As a host nation, we don’t care who we meet. Whoever comes our way, we just have to show quality, and I’m pretty sure our boys are ready to fight,” he affirmed.

He emphasised the importance of the tournament in restoring national pride and confidence in the squad.

“We still have something to prove, especially after our exit from the AFCON and our inability to qualify for the World Cup,” Ofei stated. “We need to prove to the nation that this squad is a very good team.”

With the backing of home fans, the pressure is on the Black Satellites to deliver strong performances. The team will be targeting at least a semi-final finish and qualification for the next Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Since the tournament’s inauguration in 2018, Ghana has been aiming for a second WAFU Zone B title, having last won the championship in 2020.