Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has called on Ghana to beat Togo in their final Group B fixture at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship after a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso left his side with only one point from two matches.
Ghana’s opening defeat by Nigeria and the stalemate against Burkina Faso mean victory over Togo is essential if they are to end their campaign on a positive note. Konadu has therefore turned his attention immediately to the final group game, with his team still seeking its first win of the tournament.
The draw was secured despite Ghana being reduced to 10 men by an early red card. The dismissal forced Konadu to abandon the tactical approach with which his side had started the match and make a significant change to the team’s structure.
Ghana initially lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, but Konadu responded to the sending-off by switching to a 3-5-1 system. He believes the adjustment allowed his players to control long periods of the match and produce a number of opportunities in spite of the numerical disadvantage.
Joseph Badu scored Ghana’s equaliser, but the Black Satellites were unable to find the goal that would have completed their comeback and secured three points. Konadu nevertheless praised the response of his players, particularly their determination after the early setback.
The coach also highlighted the contribution of his substitutes, who helped Ghana maintain its competitive level and continue pushing for a winner. While he felt the team had done enough to earn more than a draw, the result leaves Ghana needing a victory against Togo.
Ghana have already secured qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations because they are the host nation. That qualification removes the immediate pressure of having to earn a place in the continental tournament, but Konadu insists his squad remains fully committed to finishing the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship strongly.
The match against Togo will provide Ghana with one final opportunity to claim maximum points in Group B. Konadu’s priority is now clear: he wants the Black Satellites to turn their resilience into a win and close the competition with a result that reflects their effort against Burkina Faso.
Despite failing to build on the draw, Ghana’s players showed character after the early dismissal and continued to create chances. Konadu will hope that the same fighting spirit, combined with greater efficiency in front of goal, will be enough to deliver the victory he is targeting against Togo.
