Agyemang Badu urges Black Satellites to approach U-20 AFCON with confidence

Former U-20 AFCON and World Cup champion Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has called on the current Ghana U-20 team, led by coach Desmond Ofei, to approach the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with confidence.

According to Badu, every team is beatable, and Ghana’s rich pedigree in youth football should give the team a sense of pride and determination.

Ahead of the team’s opening match against DR Congo, Badu acknowledged the tough nature of the group but emphasized that every team can be beaten.

“Well, it’s a very difficult group, but they are beatable, every team, every country is beatable; especially when they’re playing against Ghana,” he said.

“Opponents always want to prove a point against us, not out of fear, but to make themselves proud.”

Badu believes DR Congo will pose a significant challenge for Ghana, citing their solid U-20 team and investments in youth development.

“They have a very solid U-20 team. Back in 2020, they promoted some of their players, like Kamara, to the senior side. They’ve invested heavily in youth development, just like we did in the past,” he noted.

Badu also stressed the importance of focusing on all group opponents, including the Central African Republic.

“It’s a tough group. DR Congo is strong, maybe Central African Republic too; we can’t take any game lightly. The first match is crucial for everyone. We just need to stay focused.”

Agyemang Badu concluded by calling for more national attention and support for the youth teams.

“There’s a growing attention towards these youth games, and rightly so. We need to give them the focus and importance they deserve.”

The Ghana U-20 team, affectionately known as the Black Satellites, will begin their campaign at the U-20 AFCON in Suez on Friday at 6 p.m.

The team aims to advance from the group stage to the quarterfinals and make a strong impression in the tournament.