By: Kwame Bediako
The Black Starlets of Ghana will take on Ivory Coast in the final of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U-17 Boys Championship on Friday, October 3, at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.
This eagerly anticipated match comes after both teams secured victories in the semi-finals, setting up a high-stakes showdown for regional supremacy and continental qualification.
Ghana punched their ticket to the final with an emphatic 2-0 triumph over arch-rivals Nigeria.
Michael Awuli and Robinho Yao Gavi scored first-half goals that ignited celebrations among the Starlets and boosted hopes of making it to next year’s U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The win showcased Ghana’s resilience and determination, especially after their earlier group-stage defeat.
The hosts, Ivory Coast, earned their final berth by narrowly edging Burkina Faso 2-1 in the other semi-final. Ivory Coast holds a psychological edge, having beaten Ghana convincingly 3-0 during the group stages.
However, the Black Starlets have shown remarkable character by bouncing back from that loss to defeat Niger 3-1 before dismantling Nigeria, indicating their progress and readiness for the final challenge.
Ghana’s coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, has promised a different approach this time around. Reflecting on the group-stage setback, he emphasized changes in structure, mentality, and character.
“We have been able to play them, so we know what to do. Tactically, we have to re-strategise to meet them boot for boot,” Ogum said confidently after the victory over Nigeria, highlighting the team’s focus and resolve ahead of today’s clash.
A place in the final guarantees both Ghana and Ivory Coast the two available tickets to represent WAFU B at the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
With so much at stake, the Black Starlets and the hosts are set to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the regional tournament as they vie for glory and continental qualification.
