U20 AFCON: Ghana Scores Early vs Senegal, Players Celebrate With Ronaldo’s ‘Siuu’
- The Black Satellites of Ghana pipped Senegal to a narrow win, thanks to a first half strike from Emmanuel Mensah
- Mensah and his teammate Jerry Afriyie paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo with their celebration after the goal
- After the slim win the national Under-20 boys' team move to second position behind DR Congo, boasting four points from two games
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Ghana’s U-20 national team, the Black Satellites, reignited their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a spirited performance against Senegal in their second Group C fixture
Following a tense draw in their opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Desmond Ofei’s side arrived on the pitch determined to assert themselves and gain crucial momentum.
Source: Getty Images
The early exchanges, however, leaned heavily in favour of the Young Teranga Lions.
Senegal controlled possession and consistently applied pressure, seeking an early breakthrough with sharp interchanges and clever positioning in Ghana’s defensive third.
Yet, in a twist that flipped the tempo of the match, the Black Satellites struck with clinical efficiency against the flow of play.
Ghana scores first through Emmanuel Mensah
The opener stemmed from a costly turnover by Senegal just outside their penalty area.
Jerry Afriyie, currently on the books of Spanish third-tier outfit CD Lugo, capitalised on the lapse with a precise pass that dissected the defensive line.
Emmanuel Mensah, the architect of Ghana’s goal in their previous encounter, timed his run perfectly before slotting the ball calmly past the advancing goalkeeper.
Black Satellites players hit Ronaldo's Siuu
Beyond the netting of the ball, the ensuing celebration lit up the stadium and social media alike.
Afriyie and Mensah delighted fans with a synchronised homage to football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo, breaking into the famed "Siuu" celebration.
Ghana pips Senegal to narrow win after Mensah's goal
The 19-year-old's goal proved decisive as Ghana held on to a narrow victory to move to second position after Senegal failed to break through the Satellites' watertight defence.
Victory for coach Ofei's charges over Senegal means the defending champions have lost their unbeaten run in the competition.
Prior to the 1-0 loss, the Young Teranga Lions were unbeaten in their last 12 group stage matches (W9 D3), with their most recent group-stage defeat being a 3-1 loss to Nigeria in 2015, as noted by Maxtvgh.
Up next for the four-time AFCON U20 champions is their third and final Group C encounter against the Central African Republic, who suffered a chastening 3-1 defeat to DR Congo, per CAF Online.
Coach Desmond Ofei laments about poor finishing
In an earlier update, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghana U20 coach Desmond Ofei voiced his disappointment following his team’s 1-1 stalemate with DR Congo in their opening Group C match at the 2025 CAF U20 AFCON.
While commending the players' overall performance, Ofei lamented their inability to convert chances but remained confident about advancing from the group.
Source: YEN.com.gh
