The final day of the group stage in the AFCON U20 2025 qualifiers for Group A kicked off with intense action on Wednesday. At the Stade de Kégué, Benin and Niger are locked in a goalless draw at half-time, while in the other match of the group, Ghana leads Togo 1-0 at the Stade Municipal de Lomé.
Both matches are critical in determining which teams will advance to the semi-finals of the UFOA B tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With all four teams in Group A still in contention for a place in the next round, the stakes couldn’t be higher as the games reach their decisive moment
In the first 45 minutes at the Stade de Kégué, Benin and Niger have been evenly matched, with neither side managing to break the deadlock.
The young Cheetahs of Benin, sitting on two points before the game, knew they needed a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Despite their efforts to find the net, Niger’s defense has held firm, keeping the scoreline at 0-0 as they head into the second half.
For Niger, the match offers a crucial opportunity to stake their claim for a semi-final spot.
A win would put them in a strong position, but with the game still delicately poised, both teams will be aiming to push for a breakthrough in the second half.
Meanwhile, at the Stade Municipal de Lomé, Ghana’s Black Satellites are in control of their destiny.
Having secured four points from their first two matches, Ghana entered the day as group leaders, and they have further solidified their position with a 1-0 lead over Togo at the half-time break.
The Black Satellites’ slender advantage comes courtesy of a well-taken goal, which has put them on the verge of securing a place in the semi-finals
Should they maintain their lead, Ghana will finish the group stage with seven points, putting them out of reach of the other teams and securing their spot in the next round.
For Togo, trailing 1-0, the second half represents a do-or-die situation.
A loss would see them eliminated from the competition, while a comeback could keep their hopes of qualifying for AFCON U20 2025 alive.
The Hawks will need to find a way past Ghana’s resolute defense if they are to turn their fortunes around in the final 45 minutes.
As the second halves of both matches loom, the race for the two available semi-final spots in Group A remains wide open.
Benin and Ghana are currently on course to progress, but with so much at stake and plenty of football still to be played, the dynamics could shift quickly.
The final outcome of these matches will not only determine which teams move forward in the UFOA B tournament but also edge closer to securing a place in the prestigious AFCON 20 2025.
All eyes will be on the concluding moments of these thrilling group-stage encounters as the young stars of African football battle for their future on the international stage.
