Ghana and DR Congo played a 1-1 draw in their first Group C Round 1 game of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations at the Suez Stadium in Egypt on Thursday evening.
It was a tentative beginning, but the Congolese team opened the scoring in the 16th minute through striker Samuel Ntanda.
A lack of concentration in Ghana’s defence allowed Messy Manitu to locate a pinpoint pass through, which Ntanda comfortably slotted past the Ghanaian goalkeeper to gift DR Congo a richly deserved lead.
The Black Satellites responded with purpose and equalized the score in the 24th minute.
Emmanuel Mensah sliced through the Congolese defence with a through pass, and Aziz Musibau showed great composure to score the equalizer and give Ghana life in the game.
The two sides persisted in looking for the winner, but the second half was marked by squandered opportunities and solid defending.
DR Congo pressed the attacking urgency but lacked the cutting edge in the box.
Ghana defended solidly and was dangerous on the counterattack but was unable to convert.
Both teams gained a point, each with the stalemate. Ghana will play defending champions Senegal next in what will be a stern test, while DR Congo play the Central African Republic in their second group match.
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