Head coach of the Black Satellites, Desmond Ofei, has set his sights on guiding Ghana to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Ofei took over as head coach of the Satellites in September 2023, succeeding Samuel Boadu, whom he had served as assistant for nine months.
At 36 years old, Ofei believes that the team has the necessary quality to secure a spot in the next edition of the U-20 World Cup.
“Personally it’s day by day, step by step, and competition by competition. For us, the most important competition now is the WAFU because we really want to partake in the next World Cup which takes place in 2025.”
“We still have a lot of work to do. Now we have a good base and we can build on it. The next objective is the WAFU in October. We will prepare well and scout extensively to get all the hidden gems to come and help the team progress to the World Cup,” he said.
Ofei’s tenure began successfully as he led the team to victory in the African Games, where they secured the gold medal by defeating Uganda in the final.
This achievement marked Ghana’s first gold medal in the African Games since 2011 in Maputo, where they also emerged victorious.
“We are very proud of this achievement. We are happy we added an extra gold to the country’s tally,” Ofei told 3Sports as he talked about his success.
“I need some good rest. It’s been intense. It’s my first time working in Africa on this level. It’s not easy because I coach with passion and give everything. It took a lot but now I have to go back and get enough energy. I have to get back with my family; my wife and kids.”
Despite Ghana’s recent gold medal win at the African Games, Desmond Ofei, the head coach of the Black Satellites, is focused on an even bigger goal: qualifying for the U-20 World Cup. Ghana’s last appearance in this competition was in 2005, and Ofei is determined to change that.
At 36 years old, Ofei believes that the team has the necessary quality to secure a spot in the next edition of the U-20 World Cup.
“Personally it’s day by day, step by step, and competition by competition. For us, the most important competition now is the WAFU because we really want to partake in the next World Cup which takes place in 2025,” he added.
“We still have a lot of work to do. Now we have a good base and we can build on it. The next objective is the WAFU in October. We will prepare well and scout extensively to get all the hidden gems to come and help the team progress to the World Cup.”