WAFU B U20: Maxwell Konadu demands strong finish as Black Satellites prepare for Togo clash

Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu says his side is fully prepared - physically, mentally and tactically - for Sunday's decisive Group B clash against Togo as Ghana seeks to end its 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship campaign on a winning note in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire.

The Black Satellites go into the final group fixture knowing that victory is non-negotiable as they seek to finish the tournament strongly after opening with a defeat to defending champions Nigeria before battling to a spirited 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso.

Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Maxwell Konadu revealed that the team's preparations have focused on recovery, tactical refinement and ensuring the players are mentally ready for the challenge ahead.

"The team is very ready. Yesterday we had a recovery session to prepare the boys physically, mentally and psychologically. We've worked hard to let them know that everything is possible, and I believe we have recovered well. We've just completed our final recovery session ahead of the match."

The Ghana coach disclosed that the technical team had also spent time working on tactical adjustments tailored specifically for the Togolese side.

"We touched on a few tactical issues that we may adopt tomorrow. We know Togo are not a bad side. I've watched them and they've played well. But we also understand the mathematics of the group, so we'll go out there and do everything possible to win."

Konadu believes his players understand the importance of the occasion and are determined to produce the performance Ghanaians expect.

"The team understands the dynamics of this game. We have to give everything to try and win. We didn't start the tournament well, but we improved in the second game. Now we believe the third game is one we simply have to win."

The former Ghana international admitted that the Black Satellites are aware of the expectations back home and are motivated to reward the faith of supporters.

"We want to put smiles on the faces of Ghanaians because they expected this team to do better than where we are now. The boys understand that tomorrow we are going out for nothing but victory."

Konadu acknowledged the pressure that comes with leading one of Africa's traditional football nations but insists it is a responsibility his players must embrace.

"When you lead a country like Ghana, you should expect this kind of pressure. Ghanaians are passionate about football, and any team that carries the name Ghana must strive to live up to those expectations. That is why we are determined to win this game."

The coach also praised his players' response after the opening defeat, revealing that confidence within the camp has remained strong despite the setbacks.

"Before the Burkina Faso game, many people felt they were a very good side, but we believed in what we had. We spoke to the boys and made sure they responded tactically to the things we had worked on behind the scenes. We know the pressure is there, but our job is to keep the players calm and focused."

Konadu hinted that changes could be made to the starting line-up as part of the team's long-term development while maintaining the ambition to secure all three points.

"We will probably make a few changes. It's not because those who started the previous games weren't good enough—they have done well. But we also need to give others the opportunity to start. We have to position ourselves strategically for this game."

While Ghana's qualification hopes may depend on the outcome of the other Group B fixture between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, Konadu insists his side's full attention remains on beating Togo.

"We're not looking at the Nigeria-Burkina Faso game, honestly. Our focus is on our own match. We have to win convincingly and try not to concede. That is our responsibility. If Nigeria goes on to beat Burkina Faso by a wider margin, we'll certainly welcome it. But first things first- Ghana must beat Togo."

Although Ghana has already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts, the WAFU B U-20 Championship continues to serve as an important phase in the Black Satellites' development. The tournament has provided the technical team with valuable opportunities to assess the squad under competitive conditions, strengthen team cohesion and continue building towards hosting Africa's premier youth football tournament next year.

GFA Communications