Maple Ridge teen soccer pro TJ Tahid has been called up to Ghana鈥檚 squad for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament in the Ivory Coast later this month.

The 17-year-old forward with 91原创-based Vancouver FC got the news that he鈥檇 be joining the team while getting ready for training.

鈥淭hey called my dad. He鈥檚 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," he said. "It was a very proud moment for the two of us for sure!鈥�

Ghana will face off against D.R. Congo, The Central African Republic, Tanzania and the Ivory Coast in the group stage. The event starts April 27.

鈥淭here鈥檚 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.鈥�

He previously represented Canada at the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia in 2023, where he started all three games. He was called up to Ghana鈥檚 U-20 side in March 2025 for a mini-tournament in Morocco to prepare for his second major international tournament. Tahid remains eligible to represent Canada at the senior level, as youth-level appearances do not count toward being cap-tied.

Along with valuable international experience, Tahid 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.

鈥淚 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.鈥�

For now, his focus is on Africa. The young player's considerable experience in big games will be an asset.

鈥淕oing into the AFCON U-20s, there are guys who haven鈥檛 played in first-team games, so having that experience I can help them work through that and have the right mentality and mindset.鈥�