2025 U-20 AFCON: DR Congo hold Ghana to draw in Group C opener

The Black Satellites of Ghana drew 1-1 with DR Congo. This match was part of Group C in the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations at Suez Stadium.

Ghana's U20 team did not start their campaign with a win. They faced DR Congo on Friday evening and ended in a stalemate. Some key players arrived late, including Jerry Afriyie and Abdul Aziz Issah. Coach Desmond Ofei started Andrews Adjabeng and others instead.

Ghana began the match strongly with early attacks but failed to score. In the 16th minute, DR Congo took the lead. Captain Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa scored with a header from a low cross by Messy Mubundu Manitu.

Despite being down, Ghana continued to play well. Phenyin-Denis Marfo came close to equalizing but missed narrowly. In the 22nd minute, Andrews Adjabeng had a chance to level the score but shot off target.

Aziz Musibau equalized for Ghana in the 24th minute. He volleyed in a cross from Emmanuel Mensah. Ghana could have taken the lead before halftime but missed several opportunities.

Five minutes into the second half, Ghana nearly scored again. Aziz Musibau wasted a one-on-one chance against DR Congo's defense. The Congolese then dominated possession but faced strong resistance from goalkeeper Gidios Aseako.

He made excellent saves against Ibrahim Mubalu and Messy Mubundu Manitu. Substitutes Jerry Afriyie, Abdul Aziz Issah, and Joseph Aidoo could not change the outcome. The match ended in a 1-1 draw at Suez Stadium.

In another Group C match, Senegal also drew 1-1 with the Central African Republic (CAR).