Four stars from Ghana’s U20 team after AFCON U20 in Egypt

The four-time African champions suffered a painful penalty shootout defeat to the hosts after coming back from two goals down and playing with ten to force the match to extra time.

The loss means the West Africans will not qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

Despite the disappointment of missing the World Cup, four players stood out for the team during their time in Cairo.

Aziz Issah

The Barca Athletic winger was Ghana’s shinning light at the tournament, living up to the enormous hype around his name before the competition. Issah scored a sensational goal to begin the comeback against Egypt, firing a long range strike which eluded the young Pharaoh’s goalkeeper. The Dreams FC owned player was also Man of the Match in the victory over the Central African Republic.

AbdulHakim Sulemana

Arguably, Ghana’s best player at the tournament. Sulemana, the younger brother of Southampton star Kamaldeen, won two Man of the Match awards in Egypt. His composed penalty in the final minute of regulation time forced the game against Egypt to extra time. The Randers FC winger started two matches from the bench and still managed to make a huge impact.

Lord Afrifa

The unsung hero of the team. The Sturm Graz midfielder was essential to Ghana’s play, dictating the pace of the game effortlessly. His ability to take on players and drive the team forward has been impeccable. He was the architect behind Ghana’s strong comeback against Egypt after weaving his way from the left to find Issah in the middle moments before the Black Satellites pulled one back.

Dacosta Antwi

He may have missed the penalty that led to Ghana’s unlucky exit but Antwi was a rock throughout the tournament. His performances for the team in the group stage saw Ghana concede just one goal. The Young Apostles player was named in the best eleven of the group stage after his splendid displays. It might not be long that teams abroad may come calling.