Ivory Coast successfully defended their title at the UFOA B U20 Cup, edging Nigeria 1-0 in a tightly contested final on Wednesday evening.
Ghana secured third place with a 2-0 win over Niger in the bronze medal match.
The final, held under the floodlights, remained goalless for much of the encounter as both sides battled for control.
It was not until the dying moments of the game that Zakaria Tindano emerged as the Ivorian hero, finding the net in the 91st minute to seal victory for the Elephants.
Younès Zerdouk’s side showed tactical discipline and resilience throughout the match, soaking up waves of Nigerian pressure before capitalising on a late opportunity.
The win not only saw Côte d’Ivoire lift the regional trophy for a second consecutive time but also reinforced their growing dominance in the West African youth football scene.
Tindano’s goal was a reward for a well-executed game plan, as the Ivorians maintained their structure and composure while waiting for the right moment to strike.
The team’s ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the closing stages, highlights the strength and depth of this new generation.
Their triumph sets a positive tone ahead of the qualifiers for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, where Ivory Coast will aim to build on their regional success at a continental level.
In the third-place playoff earlier in the day, Ghana overcame Niger with a convincing 2-0 performance.
The young Black Satellites dominated the encounter from the outset and secured the bronze medal with goals that reflected their technical superiority and determination to end the tournament on a high note.
Ghana’s victory ensures they return home with silverware and valuable experience for their budding talents, who showed promise throughout the tournament despite falling short of the final.
For Niger, the fourth-place finish marks a commendable run, though they will be left to reflect on missed opportunities in their bid for a podium spot.
As the curtain falls on the 2025 edition of the UFOA B U20 Cup, Ivory Coast’s successful title defence stands out as a statement of intent, while both Ghana and Nigeria leave with clear signals of potential for the future.
