By Kwame Bediako
The Black Starlets concluded their campaign at the WAFU B U-17 Championship in Yamoussoukro with a runner-up finish after a hard-fought final against hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
The match ended in a tense 4-3 defeat for Ghana in the penalty shootout, following a tightly contested encounter with neither side able to secure a clear advantage during regulation time.
Despite falling just short of the title, the Black Starlets’ performance was commendable as they showed resilience and skill against the Ivorian side on their home turf.
The penalty shootout heartbreak did not overshadow the overall strong campaign Ghana had throughout the tournament, showcasing promising young talents poised for further development.
Importantly, the Black Starlets’ second-place finish secured them qualification for the 2026 TotalEnergies U-17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This achievement confirms Ghana’s continued presence among the continent’s elite youth teams and provides a valuable platform for the players to compete at a higher level next year.
Ghana looks forward to building on this performance and aims to contend strongly in the upcoming 2026 U-17 AFCON, continuing its tradition of nurturing young football talent on the continental stage. The team’s journey has reinvigorated hopes for future success in youth football competitions.
