The 2025 CAF AFCON Under 20 Tournament recently commenced in Egypt with the first round of games at the group stage cleared, the competition that is scheduled to end on May 18, has Ghana’s Black Satellites set to take on defending Champions Senegal on Monday, May 5 at 18:00 GMT.
However, following the conclusion of first wave of games, some coaches have alleged that some players fielded by countries are over 20 years and shouldn’t be eligible to compete in the tournament.
After losing 1-0 to Sierra Leone, Tanzania Under-20 head coach, Boniface Mkwasa, seemingly believes that some players in the Sierra Leone team are over the age limit.
“Even this team, Sierra Leone, if you see them, they are a bit bigger and age-wise, it’s not under 20 if you see” Mkwasa said.
Zambia has drawn goalless with host nation Egypt and Sierra Leone ahead of games against Tanzania and South Africa but Zambia’s Under 20 head coach Boyd Mulandwa lamented about his youngsters paying against “older” players stating,
“This is a youth tournament and we expect youths to play against youths but if you bring people who are not in that category, it becomes difficult for others.”
#BlackSatellites team walk ahead of tonight’s clash with Senegal.
Kick-off: 6PM🇬🇭 🆚 🇸🇳#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/C7q0cO90TZ
— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) May 5, 2025
Ghana drew 1-1 in its opening game at this year’s Under 20 AFCON with D.R. Congo.
