Head coach of the Black Satellites Desmond Ofei is already looking ahead to reaching the U-20 World Cup just days after winning gold at the African Games.
The Black Satellites narrowly beat Uganda at the Accra Sports stadium in the final courtesy a late strike by Jerry Afriyie to clinch the gold medal in the men’s football event.
It was the first time that Ghana had won a medal in men’s football at the African Games in 13 years.
Ghana ended the games with unprecedented 68 medals, the most in the country’s history for any edition of the African Games.
“We are very proud of this achievement. We are happy we added an extra gold to the country’s tally,” Ofei revealed in an exclusive interview with 3Sports.
The 36-year-old admitted that working in Africa for the first time as a head coach was challenging.
“I need some good rest. It’s been intense. It’s my first time working in Africa on this level. It’s not easy because I coach with passion and give everything. It took a lot but now I have to go back and get enough energy. I have to get back with my family; my wife and kids.”
Black Satellites coach @Dezz_o is already looking ahead to qualifying the team to the U20 World Cup next year.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/nVgJac11Ys
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) March 26, 2024
Ghana failed to qualify for the last U20 AFCON and haven’t been at the U20 World Cup since 2005 Ofei is confident the team has what it takes to qualify for the global showpiece in 2025.
“Personally it’s day by day, step by step, and competition by competition. For us, the most important competition now is the WAFU because we really want to partake in the next World Cup which takes place in 2025.
We still have a lot of work to do. Now we have a good base and we can build on it. The next objective is the WAFU in October. We will prepare well and scout extensively to get all the hidden gems to come and help the team progress to the World Cup,” he added.