Abuja — The Black Satellites of Ghana yesterday at the Cairo International Stadium, Egypt, broke the jinx by emerging the first African team to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup trophy, after defeating South American giants, Brazil, 4-3 on penalties.

Ghana, after two previous unsuccessful final appearances, approached yesterday's final with full commitment and determination, but it was the South American side that enjoyed full possession in the first half and almost broke the deadlock through Dalton in the 34th minute. The Sellas Tetteh-tutored boys, who scored a remarkable 16 goals on their way to the final, consumed the Brazilian threats and ended the game goalless in the first half.

After the break, despite being one man down from the first half, Ghana took the game to their opponent's yard with a lot of promise up front and wasted several chances.

The Black Satellites battled through some adversity to reach the final, edging South Africa in extra time in the first elimination match, before sending off Hungary in the semi-finals.

Yesterday's victory was a sweet revenge for Ghana after losing 2-1 to Brazil in 1993 in the same competition. The Black Satellites were also a loser again to another South American, Argentina, in 2001.

Before now, the FIFA Under-20 World Cup was the only world age-grade competition that had eluded Africa after Nigeria and Ghana had both triumphed at the U-17 stage, while Nigeria and Cameroon equally won the FIFA Under-23 Olympic football game in 1996 and 2000 respectively.