GHANA’S BLACK Satellites opened their TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo on Friday night in Suez.
Samuel Ntanda gave DR Congo an early lead in the 16th minute, heading home a pinpoint cross from Messy Manitu. But Ghana responded quickly through Musibau Aziz, who finished off an Emmanuel Mensah cross just eight minutes later.
The Satellites dominated large portions of the game and created more chances, with Aziz nearly scoring again before halftime. In the second half, both teams turned up the physicality, with Ghana pushing for a winner and DR Congo staying compact and resilient.
Jerry Afriyie, brought on as a second-half substitute, came close with a late header, but the Congolese defence held firm. Despite several promising moves and more possession, Ghana couldn’t break the deadlock.
The result leaves Group C wide open, as all four teams including holders Senegal and the Central African Republic, who also drew 1-1 earlier are tied on one point after matchday one.