2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship: Black Satellites coach targets defensive overhaul after Nigeria setback

Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has made it clear that defensive improvement is the top priority following his side's 4-2 defeat to Nigeria in their WAFU B U-20 Championship opener in Yamoussoukro on Monday.

Speaking after the Group B encounter, Konadu identified the backline as the critical area requiring immediate attention if Ghana is to bounce back and keep their tournament hopes alive.

Konadu did not hide his frustration at the manner in which his team conceded goals, describing them as "cheap" and avoidable.

"We planned to start with the high press to see how our opponents would handle it. In the process, we gave away some cheap goals that I think could have been avoided," he lamented.

The coach acknowledged that while Nigeria deserved credit for their performance, Ghana's own mistakes made the difference.

"Yes, we were organised, but giving away cheap goals, I don't think we can make headway with that."

With a crucial clash against Burkina Faso on Thursday, July 30, Konadu has vowed to prioritise defensive work on the training ground.

"We need to quickly fix that problem and make sure that we play very well from the backline. I think that was the biggest issue we had. So going forward in the next game, we will be working on our defence to make sure that we avoid those mistakes."

"They did well; I think they played better than we did. We have accepted that. The only thing right now is for us to bounce back and try to win the games ahead of us."

Despite the setback, Ghana's campaign remains very much alive. With two group matches remaining – against Burkina Faso and Togo – the Black Satellites have the opportunity to recover and secure a knockout-stage berth.

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