Ghana's U-20 AFCON campaign begins with draw against DR Congo

Ghana and DR Congo played out a 1-1 draw in their opening Group C fixture of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations at the Suez Stadium in Egypt.

The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.

The Congolese team made a strong start, with striker Samuel Ntanda scoring the opening goal in the 16th minute.

A defensive lapse by Ghana allowed Ntanda to head the ball past the Ghanaian goalkeeper with ease.

The Black Satellites responded swiftly, equalizing just eight minutes later. Emmanuel Mensah’s through pass through the Congolese defense for Aziz Musibau to score the equalizer.

Despite both teams persisting in their quest for a winner, the second half was marked by squandered opportunities and solid defending.

DR Congo pressed hard but lacked the cutting edge in the box, while Ghana defended solidly and threatened on the counterattack but couldn’t convert.

Ghana’s coach, Desmond Offei, will be hoping for an improved performance from his team after a sluggish display in the opening match.

Offei will likely look to his team to step up their intensity and clinical finishing in their next match against defending champions Senegal.

The draw between Ghana and DR Congo wasn’t the only stalemate in Group C, as defending champions Senegal also played out a 1-1 draw against the Central African Republic in the other group fixture.

This unexpected result has opened up the group, setting the stage for an exciting battle for supremacy.

The draw means both teams earned a point each.

Ghana will face defending champions Senegal in their next match, which promises to be a stern test. DR Congo, on the other hand, will take on the Central African Republic in their second group match.