Shamsudeen Sulemana emerged as one of Ghana’s standout performers at the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, finishing the team’s campaign with eight goals after an outstanding display of attacking quality.
The young forward saved his most remarkable performance for the Round of 16, scoring four goals as Ghana thrashed Mexico 5-2 to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Sulemana’s performance against Mexico was the highlight of a tournament in which he also scored once against Myanmar, twice against the Bahamas and once against Kazakhstan.
His contribution proved valuable as Ghana, under head coach Fatawu Salifu, recorded seven consecutive victories before their campaign ended in the quarter-finals.
The National U-15 Boys team began the competition with five straight wins to finish top of Group W. They defeated Uzbekistan 4-1, Myanmar 7-1, Guam 7-0, the Bahamas 7-0 and Kazakhstan 2-1.
Ghana carried that momentum into the knockout stages, overcoming Korea Republic 2-1 before Sulemana’s four-goal performance helped them eliminate Mexico.
Their impressive run eventually came to an end against Paraguay, with the quarter-final finishing 2-2 in regulation time before Ghana suffered a 7-6 defeat in the penalty shootout.
Despite the disappointing exit, Ghana finished the tournament with 34 goals across eight matches, with Sulemana’s eight strikes accounting for a significant contribution to the team’s attacking output.
His performances offered an encouraging glimpse of his potential, particularly his ability to deliver in a knockout match against Mexico. However, continued development through regular playing opportunities, quality coaching and appropriate support will be essential as he progresses through the youth ranks.
While Ghana will reflect on what might have been after their quarter-final elimination, Sulemana leaves Azerbaijan having made a notable contribution to the team’s campaign and provided supporters with one of its most memorable individual performances.
