The Black Starlets put up a brave performance but narrowly lost 4-3 on penalties to host nation Ivory Coast in the final of the 2025 WAFU B U17 Boys Championship after a pulsating 0-0 draw in regulation time. The young Ghanaians created several opportunities to seal victory during open play but failed to convert their chances, forcing the game to be decided from the spot.
Despite the heartbreak in the final, the Starlets can walk tall after booking qualification to the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Ghana secured their ticket with a commanding 2-0 victory over fierce rivals Nigeria in the semifinals, ending an eight-year wait since their last AFCON appearance in 2017.
Head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum lauded the team’s resilience and fighting spirit throughout the tournament. “These boys have shown great character and determination. To reach the final and qualify for the AFCON after such a long time is a step in the right direction. We will continue to build and prepare them well for the challenge in Morocco,” he said.
The tournament saw the Starlets rediscover their competitive edge, playing with flair, grit, and discipline. From their solid defensive unit marshaled by Kingsley Fosu, Gabriel Denyinah, Mujahid Osman and Rashidan Yakubu, to the creative spark of Michael Awuli, Augustine Appiah, Mark Kagawa and Joseph Narbi, and the attacking promise of Robinho Yao Gavi and Clement Agyei, Ghana’s young stars demonstrated that the country’s football future remains bright.
The Black Starlets will now shift focus to the continental showpiece in Morocco, where they will aim not only to qualify for the World Cup but also to re-establish Ghana’s pedigree as one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses at youth level.
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