Maxwell Konadu hints at major squad changes ahead of 2027 U-20 AFCON

Ghana U-20 head coach head coach Maxwell Konadu has revealed that Ghana is unlikely to retain the same squad for next year's CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations despite the team's participation in the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship.

Following Ghana's group-stage elimination in Cote d'Ivoire, Konadu disclosed that significant changes are expected as the technical team begins preparations for the continental tournament, where Ghana has already qualified automatically as hosts.

"We came here to win, but it didn't work out. We will reorganise ourselves. Definitely, we will not present the same team for the AFCON next year," Konadu said after Sunday's goalless draw with Togo.

The coach explained that one of the primary objectives of participating in the WAFU B tournament was to evaluate home-based players and determine who is capable of competing at the highest level.

"For this tournament, we maintained the home-based boys because we wanted to see what they could offer. Some of them have shown that, given the opportunity, they can really excel."

Konadu admitted that while some players impressed, others failed to meet the standards required for the next stage of the team's development.

"It is good that we have seen what they can do. Some couldn't make the mark, while others showed they have what it takes."

The former Asante Kotoko coach emphasised that competition for places will intensify over the coming months as more players become available for selection, including those based abroad.

He stressed that the technical team would continue monitoring talent to assemble the strongest possible squad capable of delivering success when Ghana hosts the tournament.

Although disappointed with the WAFU B campaign, Konadu believes the competition has provided valuable information that will influence future selection decisions.

With nearly a year to prepare, the Black Satellites are expected to undergo extensive rebuilding as Ghana seeks to reclaim its place among Africa's leading youth football nations.

The focus now shifts to identifying the best available talent and building a balanced squad capable of competing for the continental title in front of home supporters.

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