Black Satellites midfielder Mohammed Zaidan was named Man of the Match after Ghana fought back to draw 1-1 with Burkina Faso in their second Group B game at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship.
Zaidan was recognised as the Most Valuable Player following his influential performance at the Lycee Scientifique Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire, on Thursday evening.
The midfielder played a central role as Ghana attempted to control the match, combining composure with energy and determination in the middle of the pitch. His contribution became even more significant after the Black Satellites were reduced to 10 players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ghana showed considerable resilience to recover from a goal down and claim a point against Burkina Faso’s Young Stallions. Joseph Badu scored the equaliser, ensuring Maxwell Konadu’s team remained in contention with one group match still to play.
The draw leaves Ghana third in Group B with one point from two matches. Their final fixture will be against Togo on Sunday, when the Black Satellites will look to end the group stage on a positive note.
Although Ghana have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as the host nation, the WAFU B U-20 Championship remains an important part of the squad’s preparation.
The tournament is giving the Black Satellites the opportunity to gain experience in high-level competitive matches while also helping to build cohesion within the team. It is also providing a platform for the squad to refine its approach before Ghana host Africa’s leading youth football competition next year.
For Zaidan, the individual award followed a performance that combined defensive work, ball control and midfield influence during a demanding contest. His display helped Ghana remain competitive after going down to 10 men and contributed to a result that keeps the team involved in the group-stage race.
Ghana will now prepare for the decisive meeting with Togo, with the outcome of that match determining how they complete their Group B campaign. The Black Satellites will aim to use the experience gained against Burkina Faso, including their response after falling behind and being reduced in numbers, as they seek a strong finish.
The match was Ghana’s second appearance in the competition, while the team’s wider focus remains on developing a squad capable of competing effectively when the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations is staged on home soil.
