Ghana’s U-20 side suffered a painful late defeat in a key pre-AFCON friendly, falling 2-1 to Zambia after conceding a 90th-minute winner in a behind-closed-doors clash at the Tolip Gardens Sports Complex.
The match, designed as a crucial tune-up ahead of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, tested the Black Satellites’ readiness and revealed defensive cracks Head Coach Desmond Ofei will need to urgently patch before their Group C opener.
Zambia struck first with a moment of magic. Pascal Phiri, the ZESCO United prodigy, danced through Ghana’s back line in the 21st minute and slotted home a stunning solo goal that lit up an otherwise subdued first half.
To their credit, Ghana responded with renewed energy after the break. Aziz Yeti Mizbawu drew them level in the 54th minute, finishing a sharp attacking move that briefly shifted the momentum in their favour.
But just as the game seemed destined for a draw, David Simukonda punished a lapse in Ghana’s defence with a composed finish in the final minute, sealing the win for the Junior Chipolopolo and leaving the Satellites stunned.
With AFCON group-stage battles looming against D.R. Congo, reigning champions Senegal, and the Central African Republic, Ghana’s quest to reclaim the continental crown and earn a spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, just got a little more urgent.
