Ghana's U-20 national team, the Black Satellites, began their 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening Group C fixture on Thursday night in Suez, Egypt.

The Congolese side started the brighter of the two, breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute after a defensive lapse by Ghana.

Messy Manitu capitalised on the space and delivered a pinpoint pass to Samuel Ntanda, who coolly slotted the ball past the Ghanaian goalkeeper to give DR Congo an early lead.

Ghana responded swiftly, levelling the score just eight minutes later.

A perfectly weighted through ball from Emmanuel Mensah split the DR Congo defense and found Aziz Musibau, who kept his composure to finish confidently and restore parity.

The second half was marked by end-to-end action as both teams pushed for a winner.

DR Congo maintained sustained pressure but struggled with accuracy in the final third, while Ghana posed a threat on the counterattack but failed to convert their chances.

The draw sees both teams earn a point each as they shift focus to their upcoming group matches.

Ghana will face defending champions Senegal in what promises to be a stern test, while DR Congo takes on the Central African Republic in their next outing