The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has called on football authorities to preserve the core of the national U-20 team, popularly known as the Black Satellites, as a foundation for Ghana’s football ambitions at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Despite a painful exit in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last week, the Satellites captured the hearts of fans with their fluid, attacking style of play, anchored by midfield maestro Abdul Aziz Issah. Ghana lost to host nation Egypt on penalties, a defeat that also denied them a place in the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The Minister, however, sees hope beyond the heartbreak.
“They painfully exited the tournament in the quarter finals, but that is a very good team. With a few additions, they can grow into the U-23 team that will represent Ghana at the next Olympics in the USA.” Hon. Adams stated.
His comments came during a courtesy call by the newly sworn-in President and board of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), who were at the Ministry to officially introduce themselves.
Hon. Adams was firm in his belief that the young squad, coached by the enterprising Desmond Ofei, deserves long-term support. “Let’s prioritise this Satellites team because I was very impressed with their performance. I strongly believe they can enhance Ghana’s medal prospects if properly maintained together,” he emphasized.
Ghana, the first African country to win an Olympic football medal with a historic bronze at Barcelona ‘92, has since struggled to make its mark on the Olympic stage, with the Black Meteors last appearing in Athens 2004.
With the 2028 Games in sight, the Sports Minister’s call is a clarion one: invest in the youth now, or risk missing out again on global glory.
