Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu believes Ghana’s disappointing exit from the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship will serve as an important learning experience as the team prepares for next year’s TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana’s campaign ended after a 0-0 draw against Togo in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, leaving the Black Satellites third in Group B and out of the competition.
Despite controlling large parts of the game and seeing a goal ruled out, the team could not find the victory needed to progress.
Although the result was disappointing, Konadu insisted the experience would help the team grow.
“This is not going to demotivate us. Rather, it will encourage us to give our best. We have to move on, reorganise ourselves and come back stronger.”
The coach also defended his players, explaining that many of them lacked international experience but still showed commitment throughout the tournament.
“We are happy with the team, but not entirely satisfied with the overall performance. Before this tournament, we talked about the lack of international matches, but we still believed in the boys and encouraged them to give their best.”
Konadu said the tournament highlighted the importance of exposing young players to more competitive international matches, adding that experience often makes the difference at major competitions.
He stressed that the technical team would use lessons from the tournament to improve the squad’s preparation ahead of the 2027 U-20 AFCON, where Ghana will compete as the host.
