WAFU B U20 Boys Cup: Ivory Coast secure 2-1 win against Ghana to reach final
Ghana’s hopes of winning the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Cup on home soil came to an end on Sunday following a narrow 2-1 defeat to defending champions Ivory Coast in the semi-final.
In a highly anticipated clash at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, the Black Satellites got off to a promising start. Talented forward Benjamin Tsivanyo put Ghana ahead early, raising hopes of a dream final appearance.
However, Ivory Coast, known for their resilience and attacking flair, responded before halftime, drawing level to set up a tense second half.
After the break, both sides went toe-to-toe in search of the winner, but it was the Young Elephants who found the decisive goal. Despite Ghana enjoying significant possession and mounting pressure, the Ivorians held firm at the back to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory at full-time.
The result means Ivory Coast progress to the final, where they will face arch-rivals Nigeria in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. For Ghana, the loss marks a disappointing end to their title ambitions, but they will now shift focus to the third-place playoff against Niger.
Both the final and the third-place match are scheduled for Wednesday, July 23.
