The national under-20 soccer team, the Black Satellites, returned home on Tuesday from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, without fanfare after participating in the African under-20 junior championship.

The Satellites won the silver medal after losing 0-2 to Angola in the final match.

The 17 players and six officials led by Mr Yaw La Danso Addo, a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), were met on arrival by Brigadier George Brocke, Chief Executive of the National Sports Council, Mr E. A. Owusu-Ansah, Acting Chairman of the GFA, and Mr Wolanyo Agra, Secretary of the GFA.

Mr Akwesi Afranie, head coach, told newsmen that even though they were not able to defend the cup they won two years ago, his ultimate aim of qualifying for the world championship in Argentina was achieved.

He blamed the defeat by Angola on exhaustion of his players following the semi-final match against Egypt, which lasted 120 minutes.

Coach Afranie, however, conceded that the Satellites lost to a better Angola, which had a better preparation prior to the tournament.

"If we had prepared well, we would have won the cup. Hopefully we will do our homework well for the world tournament."

Meanwhile, four players and two officials were left behind in Addis Ababa because the aircraft was fully booked.

They are expected back home on Wednesday.