Ghana's Black Satellites were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening Group C fixture at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 on Friday.
Played under the floodlights at the New Suez Stadium, the four-time champions had to come from behind after Samuel Ntanda's header gave DR Congo a surprise 16th-minute lead.
Ghana responded through Musibau Aziz eight minutes later but despite sustained pressure in the second half, they couldn’t find a winner.
It was a scrappy but competitive affair as both sides looked to assert early dominance in a group where holders Senegal had earlier been held 1-1 by Central African Republic.
Ntanda gave the Congolese the lead after rising highest to nod home Messy Manitu’s pinpoint cross, capping off a bright opening spell by the Central Africans.
But Ghana quickly regrouped and equalised when Emmanuel Mensah whipped in a dangerous cross that was met by Aziz, whose low finish left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Ghana began to take control after that, with Abdul Sulemana and Andrews Adjabeng linking well down the flanks. Aziz nearly had a second just before the break but his close-range header was brilliantly saved.
The second half was a more tense, physical battle. Congo DR’s substitutions helped them regain some control, while Ghana brought on key forward Jerry Afriyie in search of more attacking threat.
The Black Satellites saw several shots fly just off target, including a late header from Afriyie.
Ghana had more possession and created the better chances, but DR Congo remained organised and showed real commitment to hold firm under pressure.
Both teams made late substitutions, but the scoreline remained unchanged despite Ghana's push for a late winner.
The result leaves Group C wide open after matchday one, with all four teams tied on one point.