U20 AFCON: Ghana, Senegal, and DRC advance to quarter-finals

Ghana topped Group C at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a perfect seven points after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Central African Republic, courtesy of Joseph Amankwaah Opoku’s late strike.

Defending champions Senegal, facing early elimination, bounced back with a crucial 2-0 victory against DR Congo. Cheikh Thiam and Ibrahima Dieng secured the win, sending the Young Teranga Lions through as group runners-up.

Despite the loss, DR Congo (4 points) advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, joining Ghana and Senegal in the knockout stage.

The group stage saw surprises, with pre-tournament favorites tested, but Ghana emerged as the standout side, remaining unbeaten.

The quarter-finals promise high stakes as Senegal seeks to defend its title while Ghana eyes its first U20 AFCON crown since 2021.