In 2009, history was made when Ghana’s U20 team, the Black Satellites, won the FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African team to achieve this milestone.
Today, October 16, 2024, marks sixteen years since Ghana defeated Brazil on penalties to secure the victory, a moment that brought immense joy to Ghanaians and the entire continent.
Since the inception of the World Youth Championship, later rebranded as the FIFA U20 World Cup in 1997, Nigeria had previously placed second before Ghana defied the odds to clinch the title.
GhanaWeb sports examines how the key players from that historic team are faring sixteen years later.
Daniel Agyei
Daniel Agyei made crucial saves during the tournament, especially in the finals, where his penalty saves helped the Satellites triumph over Brazil. He played for Liberty Professionals in Ghana before moving in 2013.
He has since played for clubs like Simba in Tanzania, CD Cinfaes in Portugal, and Oostzaanse Football Club in the Netherlands. Currently, he is without a club.
Jonathan Mensah
Mensah was a standout defender for the U20 team that won the World Cup in 2009. His defensive prowess earned him a call-up to the Black Stars, where he was part of the team that finished as runner-up in the 2010 AFCON and competed in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
He has played for clubs including Free State Stars, Udinese, Granada (loan), Evian, Anzhi Makhachkala, and Columbus Crew SC. The 34-year-old now plays for New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.
Samuel Inkoom
Inkoom was a key player for the Black Satellites in their U20 World Cup victory in 2009, which led to his call-up to the Black Stars. However, his career took a downturn after he was banned for over a year for a contract breach.
Following his ban, he played for Vereya and Dunav Ruse. Inkoom has since retired and now runs a football agency.
Gladson Awako
Awako started with Heart of Lions in the Ghana Premier League before joining Berekum Chelsea, where he helped them win the league in 2011 and played a key role in their CAF Champions League campaign.
The 33-year-old had a brief stint with Didier Drogba’s Phoenix Rising in 2017-2018 and returned to Ghana to join Accra Great Olympics in 2019. He later moved to Hearts of Oak before returning to Great Olympics earlier this year.
Daniel Addo
Formerly with Ukrainian side FC Zorya, the 35-year-old was named in Ghana’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers but never made it to the bench.
He joined Ashgold in January 2016 but left after seven months to sign for Northern Cypriot side Gençlik Gücü Sport Club. Addo has been without a club since 2020.
Dominic Adiyiah
Adiyiah was the star of the U20 World Cup, scoring seven goals in eight games and winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards. AC Milan signed him for €500,000 in late October 2009, but he failed to secure a place in the team and spent his time on loan.
Since then, he has played for eight different clubs and is currently a free agent.
Andre Ayew
Ayew, who was the captain of the Black Satellites, earned praise for his leadership and performance, scoring against England and converting his penalty in the shootout against Brazil. The 34-year-old has had a distinguished career, playing key roles in the 2010 AFCON and FIFA World Cup.
He is Ghana’s highest-scoring player in AFCON history with nine goals and the country’s most-capped player. He is currently the captain of the Black Stars, though he has been out of the team in recent months.
Emmanuel Agyemang Badu
Agyemang Badu was instrumental in Ghana’s U20 World Cup win, scoring the decisive penalty in the final against Brazil. He became a regular for the Black Stars and was part of the team that finished as runners-up in the 2010 AFCON.
Although he missed the 2010 World Cup due to injury, he represented Ghana in the 2014 World Cup and multiple AFCON tournaments. He had a successful club career with Udinese but has struggled with injuries in recent years. He retired from international football in 2020 and last played for Great Olympics.
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