Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu says Ghana are physically, mentally and tactically prepared for Sunday’s decisive Group B meeting with Togo, with victory the only acceptable outcome as they look to finish the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship on a positive note in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire.
Ghana began the tournament with a defeat by defending champions Nigeria before recovering to draw 1-1 with Burkina Faso. They now know they must win their final group match to keep their campaign alive and end it strongly.
Konadu said preparations had concentrated on recovery, tactical planning and ensuring his players were ready for the pressure of the occasion.
“The team is very ready. Yesterday we had a recovery session to prepare the boys physically, mentally and psychologically. We’ve worked hard to let them know that everything is possible, and I believe we have recovered well. We’ve just completed our final recovery session ahead of the match.”
The coach also confirmed that his technical staff had studied Togo closely and worked on specific adjustments for the game.
“We touched on a few tactical issues that we may adopt tomorrow. We know Togo are not a bad side. I’ve watched them and they’ve played well. But we also understand the mathematics of the group, so we’ll go out there and do everything possible to win.”
Konadu believes the players are fully aware of what is required after Ghana’s disappointing start and their improved display against Burkina Faso.
“The team understands the dynamics of this game. We have to give everything to try and win. We didn’t start the tournament well, but we improved in the second game. Now we believe the third game is one we simply have to win.”
He added that the squad was determined to respond to the expectations of supporters in Ghana.
“We want to put smiles on the faces of Ghanaians because they expected this team to do better than where we are now. The boys understand that tomorrow we are going out for nothing but victory.”
The former Ghana international also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with representing one of Africa’s traditional football nations.
“When you lead a country like Ghana, you should expect this kind of pressure. Ghanaians are passionate about football, and any team that carries the name Ghana must strive to live up to those expectations. That is why we are determined to win this game.”
Despite the opening defeat, Konadu said confidence had remained strong within the camp and praised the players for their reaction before the Burkina Faso match.
“Before the Burkina Faso game, many people felt they were a very good side, but we believed in what we had. We spoke to the boys and made sure they responded tactically to the things we had worked on behind the scenes. We know the pressure is there, but our job is to keep the players calm and focused.”
There could be changes to the starting line-up against Togo, with Konadu keen to give other members of the squad an opportunity while maintaining Ghana’s pursuit of three points.
“We will probably make a few changes. It’s not because those who started the previous games weren’t good enoughthey have done well. But we also need to give others the opportunity to start. We have to position ourselves strategically for this game.”
Ghana’s final position in Group B may also be influenced by the result between Nigeria and Burkina Faso. However, Konadu insists his players will not be distracted by that fixture.
“We’re not looking at the Nigeria-Burkina Faso game, honestly. Our focus is on our own match. We have to win convincingly and try not to concede. That is our responsibility. If Nigeria goes on to beat Burkina Faso by a wider margin, we’ll certainly welcome it. But first things first- Ghana must beat Togo.”
Ghana have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts. Nevertheless, the WAFU B U-20 Championship remains an important part of the Black Satellites’ preparation for that tournament.
The competition is giving Ghana’s technical team the chance to assess the squad in competitive conditions, improve cohesion and continue the development of a side that will host Africa’s leading youth football tournament next year.
GFA Communications
