Black Meteors conclude Benghazi training for Libya U-23 qualifier

Ghana's U-23 national team, the Black Meteors, have finished their final training session in Benghazi ahead of their 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. Under the guidance of head coach Desmond Ofei, the squad held their final tactical session at the Benina Martyrs Stadium on Tuesday. The first-leg match is scheduled for Wednesday at 17:00 GMT, marking the beginning of Ghana's campaign to secure a spot in the continental tournament and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Forward Daniel Adu Adjei expressed strong confidence in the team's ability to secure a result on Libyan soil. Speaking during the final preparations, Adjei highlighted the technical quality within the Ghanaian squad as a decisive factor. "I think we have a lot more quality in our team than they do," the striker stated, reflecting the focused and motivated atmosphere in the camp. The players are aiming for a favorable scoreline to carry back to the return leg in Accra.

The qualification series holds particular importance for Ghana as the nation looks to end a 24-year absence from men's Olympic football. The Black Meteors last competed at the Olympic level during the Athens 2004 Games. A successful aggregate result against Libya will advance Ghana to the next qualifying round to face Niger. Niger's progression was guaranteed after Equatorial Guinea withdrew from the competition, narrowing the path for the remaining teams in the region.

Following the showdown in Benghazi, the two teams will meet again for the return leg on November 17, 2026, at the Accra Sports Stadium. The technical staff and the Ghana Football Association have emphasized the importance of this qualifying cycle, as the Black Meteors look to reclaim their status as a dominant force in African youth football and return to the global stage.