Vancouver FC forward TJ Tahid has been called up to Ghana’s squad for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament in the Ivory Coast later this month.
After impressing during his first Ghana call-up in March of this year, the 17-year-old got the news that he’d be joining the team while getting ready for training.
“They called my dad. He’s from Ghana so they called him directly and he told me while I was getting ready to come to training that I gotta start learning the national anthem. It was a very proud moment for the two of us for sure!”
Placed in group A, Ghana will face off against D.R. Congo, The Central African Republic, Tanzania and the Ivory Coast in the group stage. The Black Stars will be looking to impress, having won the tournament four times—the most out of any nation.
“There’s a lot of excitement but at the same time, I know I have to work. I have to earn my spot on the team of course.”
The Maple Ridge native previously represented Canada at the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia in 2023, where he started all three games for Les Rouges. He was called up to Ghana’s U-20 side in March 2025 for a mini-tournament in Morocco to prepare for his second major international tournament. TJ remains eligible to represent Canada at the senior level, as youth-level appearances do not count toward being cap-tied. For both the Black Stars and TJ, the goal is clear: a berth in the semi-finals would book their ticket to the U-20 World Cup later this year—but they’re looking to enter that as continental champions.
“It’s definitely different to being at the club. I think the biggest thing for me is the preparation. Knowing I had that experience from the World Cup and taking that into the AFCON”
Along with valuable international experience, TJ already has two years of professional soccer under his belt, having made 36 appearances for Vancouver FC. Now entering his third season at the club, the 17-year-old has solidified his spot alongside his senior colleagues and hopes to embrace his role as a leader in the locker room and on the pitch.
“I feel having those years of experience now helps me grow and helps others around me as well, not just the guys that just signed but the actual vets. We understand each other better.”
“ Going into the AFCON U-20s, there are guys who haven’t played in first-team games so having that experience I can help them work through that and have the right mentality and mindset. ”
Tahid started for the Eagles in last weekend’s home opener against York United FC. Despite a tough loss under a rainy Langley sky, his attitude remains undamped as he keeps his sights set on the season ahead and reaching the playoffs for the first time in club history.
“This is our third season and I feel like we have a good group here. Everyone works every day. Everyone has the same goal. We’re very much together in that [regard].”
Ghana’s tournament kicks off on April 27 against the hosts, The Ivory Coast, after which they will face Tanzania (April 29), D.R. Congo (May 5), and finally, The Central African Republic (May 8). With the top two teams directly qualifying for the knockouts, and two third-place wildcard spots up for grabs, TJ will be looking to impress coaches, scouts and fans on the international stage and help his team progress through the competition.
As TJ departs for international duty, VFC will look to secure their first home win of the season on Saturday April 26th at the Langley Events Centre against Pacific FC with kickoff set for 5PM. Fans can get tickets here tickets here!
