By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Black Starlets secured a confident 2-0 victory over Nigeria in the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship semifinals to advance to the final and guarantee qualification for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The win marks a crucial milestone as the young Ghanaian side continues their impressive campaign. The match, played in Yamoussoukro, saw Ghana take an early lead in the 21st minute when Michael Awuli finished expertly to send the Black Starlets ahead.
The goal energized the team and fans, setting the tone for Ghana’s dominant performance throughout the contest. Just ten minutes later, Ghana doubled their advantage through Robinho Yao Gavi, who calmly converted a scoring chance to make it 2-0.
The Black Starlets maintained control of the game, showcasing solid defense and midfield creativity to deny Nigeria any opportunity to respond.
With this result, Ghana has not only booked their place in the WAFU Zone B final but also clinched qualification for the 2026 U17 AFCON tournament in Morocco, an important step in the development path for these promising young players.
The Black Starlets will now prepare for the final clash, aiming to secure the regional title and continue building momentum ahead of the continental championship. Their performance confirms Ghana’s strong tradition in youth football and the bright future ahead for the nation’s next generation of stars.
