Abdul Hakim Sulemana has spoken of his bitter disappointment following Ghana’s elimination from the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, a result that ended their hopes of continental glory and dashed their dreams of reaching the FIFA U20 World Cup.
The Black Satellites bowed out of the tournament in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought defeat to Egypt, bringing an abrupt end to a campaign that began with promise but fell short of expectations in the knockout stages.
Reflecting on the loss, Sulemana, a pivotal figure in Ghana’s attack, did not hide his dismay over the team’s failure to meet its objectives.
“The goal was to qualify for the World Cup and, after qualifying, to win the trophy, but unfortunately, we are not satisfied. We were eliminated in the quarter-finals. We are not happy at all,” he said.
The striker, who had been among the standout performers for Ghana during the group stages, described the result as a major letdown for a team that had shown significant potential in earlier matches.
Ghana had entered the competition with high ambitions, aiming not only to secure a World Cup berth but also to challenge for the title itself.
Despite the outcome, Sulemana praised the determination shown by the squad throughout the tournament, insisting that their downfall was not for lack of effort.
“We gave it our all, but unfortunately, luck was not on our side,” he admitted.
Ghana’s premature exit will come as a heavy blow to supporters and officials alike, given the nation’s rich history in youth competitions.
The U20 side had been seen as a group capable of reviving the country’s past successes, but their journey was halted by an organised and clinical Egyptian team.
The disappointment cuts even deeper considering the high stakes involved. Reaching the semi-finals would have secured Ghana a spot at next year’s FIFA U20 World Cup — a stage that serves as a critical platform for young talents to shine globally.
Instead, the Black Satellites will now have to regroup and rebuild for future competitions.
As the dust settles on a campaign that promised more than it delivered, Sulemana’s candid reflection offers a glimpse into the emotional toll of falling short at such a crucial juncture.
The striker’s words will likely resonate not just with his teammates, but with fans and football authorities keen to see Ghana reestablish itself among the continent’s elite youth sides.
