Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has pledged to return Ghana's U-20 national team to its rightful place among Africa's elite despite the team's disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship.
Ghana's campaign came to an early end after the Black Satellites collected just two points from three group matches in Côte d'Ivoire, falling short of a place in the semi-finals. However, Konadu insists the setback will serve as motivation rather than discouragement as the team shifts its focus to the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which Ghana is set to host.
"This is not going to demotivate us. Rather, it will encourage us to give our best. We have to move on, reorganise ourselves and come back stronger," Konadu said.
The former Black Stars assistant coach admitted that expectations are always high when leading one of Africa's most decorated youth national teams, stressing that anything short of success is difficult for Ghanaians to accept.
"This team has enjoyed so much success over the years, so any tournament without the trophy is never acceptable to Ghanaians. That is not what we came here for. The Black Satellites have set very high standards over the years, and that is where we want to take the team back to," he added.
Despite the disappointing campaign, Konadu believes the WAFU B Championship has provided important lessons that will help shape the team's preparations for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
With Ghana set to host the continental showpiece, the Black Satellites will be determined to rebuild, improve and challenge for the title as they seek to restore the nation's proud tradition in youth football.
