Ghana’s Black Satellites have been eliminated from the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations after a heartbreaking 5-4 penalty shootout loss to hosts Egypt in the quarterfinals on Monday, May 12.
The dramatic clash at the Suez Stadium ended 2-2 after extra time, with Egypt advancing to the semifinals and securing a coveted World Cup ticket in the process.
Egypt raced into a commanding lead within the first eight minutes, capitalizing on defensive errors from the Ghanaian backline.
Momen Sherif struck twice, taking full advantage of a mix-up involving Ghana captain Ofori McCarthy and goalkeeper Gidious Aseako, putting the hosts firmly in control.
Ghana slowly found their rhythm, and just before the break, they pulled one back. Abdul Aziz Isaiah’s speculative long-range effort slipped through the Egyptian goalkeeper’s grasp, halving the deficit at a crucial moment.
Desmond Ofei’s side emerged from the halftime interval with renewed determination, piling on the pressure in search of an equalizer.
The Black Satellites continued to push for a second goal, coming close through Denis Marfo, whose powerful header narrowly cleared the crossbar.
When it seemed Egypt might hold on, Ghana won a penalty deep into the second half after Joseph Opoku was fouled. Hakim Sulemana stepped up to convert, sending the match into extra time.
However, Ghana’s momentum was dented when Aaron Essel received a red card for a last-man foul, leaving the Black Satellites a man down. Despite their numerical disadvantage, they managed to drag the contest to penalties.
In the tense shootout, Ghana’s hopes were dashed when Dacosta Antwi missed his spot-kick, allowing Egypt to seal a perfect 5-4 win and book their place in the last four, while extending Ghana’s World Cup absence to a decade.
