Ghana’s U-20 national team, the Black Satellites, have officially secured a place in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), doing so even before kicking a ball in their final group stage match.

The team has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, putting up solid performances in their opening matches (a draw and a win) to sit in a commanding position in their group. But it was results elsewhere that sealed their fate early — a timely boost that confirms Ghana’s progression to the knockout stage, regardless of how they fare in their final group match against the Central African Republic on Thursday.

Tunisia’s failure to collect more than three points in Group A, finishing third, coupled with Zambia’s five-point haul in Group B for another third-place spot, ensured that Ghana’s points tally would be enough to rank among the best-performing third-place teams at worst — guaranteeing a quarterfinal berth.

With the pressure now off, Coach Desmond Ofei’s side can approach their last group match with more freedom and a chance to further sharpen their performance ahead of the knockout rounds. A win would not only seal the top spot in their group but also build crucial momentum as the Black Satellites chase continental glory.