By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Black Starlets drew a gauntlet in Group D for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, facing Senegal, South Africa, and Algeria starting April 25, 2026. The draw, unveiled Wednesday in Cairo by CAF, pits the young Ghanaians against continental heavyweights at youth level.
Fresh from friendlies to sharpen their edge, the Starlets stumbled Tuesday with a loss to Heart of Lions at Accra Sports Stadium. Upcoming clashes with Vision FC and Hearts of Oak precede their Morocco flight, as coach Laryea Kingston eyes deep runs and World Cup qualification.
Ghana’s U-17 legacy shines unevenly, seven modern-era appearances since 1995, launching stars like Stephen Appiah post-1995 triumph. Yet absences in 2001, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2015 (disqualified), 2019, and 2023 highlight qualification hurdles and internal woes.
Group D survival demands tactical nous against Senegal’s flair, South Africa’s grit, and Algeria’s discipline. Top-two finishes plus quarterfinal berths secure AFCON glory; eight QF teams grab FIFA U-17 World Cup slots, with playoffs for the rest.
For Ghanaian football’s next wave, this tournament is a launchpad. Overcome the group, and careers ignite, failure risks another missed global stage. Starlets, rise up.
