As Ghana is preparing to kick off their CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, head coach Desmond Ofei has driven one point home: the team's target is to win the tournament step by step without losing the ultimate goal in mind - continental victory and qualification for the World Cup.
"Leaving the group stage is our top priority," Ofei explained to CAFOnline.com during his interview.
"Then we take it step by step."
It's a measured, rational approach - one that recognizes the quality of the opposition as well as Ofei's emphasis on process over pressure.
While Ghana's history on the youth level includes four U-20 AFCON titles and the historic FIFA U-20 World Cup victory in 2009, this side is not relying on past success.
They are focused on the present, with the eyes set firmly on building momentum, match by match.
“Of course, the long-term aim is to win the tournament and qualify for the U-20 World Cup,” Ofei acknowledged, “but we’ll do that by staying consistent and focused on the process.”
The roadmap is simple but ambitious: survive the “group of death,” secure a semifinal spot (which guarantees World Cup qualification), and then go for the title.
Ghana's Group C draw - along with defending champions Senegal, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic - means they must be prepared from the first minute.
For Ofei, this is not about winning - it's about reclaiming Ghana's status as a force in youth football in Africa.
His plan is based on sound tactics, unity, and one game at a time. No distractions, no thinking ahead too much.
The coach's humility has been heard loud and clear by players and fans everywhere. It's not a mission - it's a mindset.
And if Ghana follows that step-by-step approach, the Black Satellites may not only summit the mountain again; they may redefine how to get there.