By Kwame Bediako
Black Starlets head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum says the double‑header friendly against Ivory Coast will provide the perfect test as his U‑17 side ramps up preparation for the 2026 U‑17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The matches, set for Tuesday, April 28 and Friday, May 1 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, are designed to sharpen Ghana’s tactical shape, mental toughness, and competitive edge ahead of the continental tournament.
Why Ivory Coast is the ideal opponent
Ogum highlighted that playing the Young Elephants away in a modern international stadium will expose his squad to high‑pressure scenarios similar to those they will face at the U‑17 AFCON. He stressed that the games are critical for assessment, allowing the coaching staff to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing adjustment before the tournament in Morocco. The proximity in style, tempo, and intensity between Ghana and Ivory Coast makes the friendlies a realistic “dress rehearsal” for top‑level youth football.
Tough group ahead in Morocco
The Black Starlets have been drawn in Group D at the U‑17 AFCON, facing reigning 2023 champions Senegal, Algeria, and South Africa in what is widely regarded as one of the most competitive groups of the tournament. Results in Abidjan will help Ogum finalise the team’s shape within the constraints of that demanding group, as only the top teams in each pool and selected third‑placed sides will progress to the FIFA U‑17 World Cup slots.
Final phase of preparations
The team has already arrived in Ebimpe after a short international flight from Accra, marking the start of the final leg of their build‑up. With the Moroccan showpiece scheduled for later this year, these back‑to‑back encounters will give Ogum and his technical crew a final window to fine‑tune combinations, test new personnel, and instil the kind of discipline and composure needed to compete with the continent’s best U‑17 teams.
A benchmark for Black Starlets’ growth
As Ghana’s most decorated U‑17 programme—with multiple titles and World Cup qualifications—this mini‑tour in Ivory Coast is about more than just results; it is about re‑establishing the Black Starlets as a benchmark side in African youth football. Strong performances in Abidjan will send an early signal that the 2026 squad is ready to add another chapter to Ghana’s legacy in the U‑17 AFCON.
