Ghana Black Satellites forward Hakim Sulemana has expressed his disappointment over the team’s inability to qualify to the semifinals of the 2025 CAF AFCON Under-20 Championship.
The youngster indicated that the team’s elimination at the quarterfinal stage was down to sheer luck as the Satellites lost 5-4 in the penalty shootout after drawing 2-2 with the host nation at the end of regulation time and extra time.
Ghana battled back from a 2-0 deficit to force the game into extra time thanks to goals from Abdul Aziz Issah and Sulemana; the latter’s goal from the penalty spot came with virtually the last kick of the game in regulation time.
Despite being named Man of the Match Award winner after excelling in the game as a second half substitute, Sulemana was left disappointed by the game’s outcome.
“It’s all always hard when you are two nil down and then coming back, we gave it our all. We were expecting to get the win but unfortunately we didn’t have the luck on our side, we tried our best. The aim was to qualify for the World Cup and then after qualifying, we prepare to win the trophy…we are not happy at all” Sulemana said.
By missing out on a semifinals place, Ghana won’t qualify to compete at the 2025 FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Chile. Ghana hasn’t qualified to the Under 20 World Cup since 2015.
