Ghana’s U-20 head coach, Desmond Ofei, has outlined an ambitious scouting strategy to assemble a formidable team for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The Black Satellites are gearing up for the tournament, having secured qualification after finishing as runners-up in the WAFU Zone B Championship held in Togo last year, where they narrowly lost to Nigeria. Building a well-rounded, competitive team is now the primary focus as preparations intensify.
In an interview with 3Sports, Ofei emphasized the importance of broadening the talent search to identify players capable of excelling on both continental and global stages.
“To build a competitive and well-rounded U20 national team, it is essential to cast a wide scouting net that includes domestic leagues, regional competitions, and international talent pools,” Ofei explained.
“Our strategy involves a comprehensive approach to scouting, ensuring we invite top talent for observation. By expanding our reach globally, we aim to identify the best players who can contribute significantly at the highest level,” he added.
The scouting plan will focus on uncovering talent across the Ghana Premier League, Division One League, and regional competitions while keeping an eye on players abroad. This approach aims to complement the core group of players who excelled during the qualifiers.
Ofei is determined to improve on past performances after Ghana failed to qualify for the previous U-20 AFCON. His ultimate goal is to replicate the team’s 2021 success in Mauritania, where the Black Satellites clinched the trophy, and secure a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time in a decade.
With this comprehensive scouting plan, Ofei and his technical team are optimistic about assembling a squad capable of making a strong impact at the 2025 U-20 AFCON and beyond.
