Ghana’s teenage sensation Emmanuel Mensah first half strike proved to be enough as Ghana beat Senegal to clinch their first win in the in going U-20 African Cup of Nations tournament (AFCON).
Ghana U20 stunned defending champions Senegal in a 1-0 victory in their second Group C match of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations at the Suez Stadium, Egypt on Monday evening.
Ghana head coach Desmond Ofei made two alterations to the team that drew 1-1 with DR Congo in the opening group match as Abdul Hakim Sulemana and Andrews Adjabeng dropped out of the starting lineup.
Black Satellites staged a fighting display, and Emmanuel Mensah proved to be the difference maker.
Mensah’s goal, assisted by Jerry Afriyie’s precise through ball, proved to be the difference-maker.
Ghana’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Gidios Aseako, remained resolute despite Senegal’s second-half pressure.
Aseako made seven crucial saves to preserve the lead and earn a first clean sheet in the tournament.
Emmanuel Mensah was named Man of the Match after his impressive performance for the West African giants.
The win means the four-time U20 AFCON champions are now unbeaten after two games with four points.
The Black Satellites now jointly leads Group C alongside DR Congo on four points after the win.
Black Satellites face Central African Republic in their final group match, as Senegal, who are now in a must-win situation, face DR Congo in a decider.
Ghana would be hoping to secure a win over the group’s whipping boys and hope for a favorable results elsewhere to top their group in their quest to secure first U-20 World Cup qualification since 2015.
