Black Satellites succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to defending champions Nigeria in the final of the 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Togo on Wednesday.
A first-half brace from Kparabo Arieri propelled the Flying Eagles to victory and ensured the successful defence of the title they won two years ago.
He struck the double to give Nigeria a 2-0 lead in the first before Jerry Afriyie pulled a goal back for Ghana 15 minutes to regulation time to set up a tense finish to the game.
Afriyie, who has been a standout performer throughout the tournament, increased his tally to five goals, but his effort wasn't enough to secure victory in the final.
The talented Ghanaian forward was crowned the Most Valuable Player of the Championship and also won the Golden boot award with 5 goals in 5 matches.
The Nigerian held on to secure victory despite several effort by Ghana to pull parity as the two West African giants book a place at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations next year.
The Black Satellites put up a spirited second half display and will feel unlucky after missing several chances in the second half against the Nigerians.
This 2025 U20 AFCON will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, where the four semi-finalists will qualify automatically.
