As Ghana’s U20 team gears up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, head coach Desmond Ofei has overhauled the scouting process to maximize the team’s potential and ensure no talent is overlooked.
The Black Satellites secured their spot in the tournament after finishing as runners-up in the WAFU Zone B Championship. Ofei, who took over a team that failed to qualify for the last U20 AFCON, has already left his mark, leading them to gold at the 2023 African Games.
In an exclusive interview with 3Sports, Ofei outlined his revamped six-step scouting strategy aimed at assembling a highly competitive squad.
“To build a competitive and well-rounded U20 National Team, it is essential to cast a wide scouting net that encompasses domestic leagues, regional competitions, and international talent pools. Our strategy outlines a comprehensive plan to identify and invite top talent for observation,” he explained.
Key Scouting Approach
Ofei’s strategy focuses on identifying the best young talents from both domestic and international levels:
- Domestic Leagues: Players from the Ghana Premier League and Division One League will be invited for observation to identify standout performers.
- Regional Competitions: Young talents from Regional Football Association (RFA) leagues, including those who participated in the qualifiers, will be scouted.
- Review of African Games Squad: The team that won gold at the African Games will be reassessed, giving eligible players another opportunity to prove themselves.
- International Scouting: Top talents based abroad will be brought in to create a balanced and competitive team.
Selection Criteria
The evaluation process will focus on:
- Technical ability
- Tactical awareness
- Physical attributes
- Mentality and character
- Potential for growth
Collaborative Efforts
The strategy involves various stakeholders to ensure its success:
- Head Coach and Technical Team: Lead talent identification and evaluation.
- Scouts and Regional Coaches: Track young players at both local and international levels.
- Local Clubs and Academies: Partner to identify emerging talents and facilitate smoother transitions.
- International Agents and Clubs: Maintain connections with overseas players.
“By utilizing this multi-faceted approach, we can ensure that the U20 national team is well-equipped with the best available talent, both domestically and abroad, to compete at the highest level,” Ofei stated.
While Ghana won the 2021 U20 AFCON, the team has not qualified for the U20 World Cup since 2015. With this revamped scouting system, Ofei aims to change that narrative and re-establish the Black Satellites as a powerhouse in youth football.
