Black Starlets coach Kassim Ocansey Mingle says Ghana remain focused on completing all three of their objectives at the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship after reaching the semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Benin.
The result secured Ghana’s place in the last four and delivered the first target set by Mingle and his technical team before the tournament began.
“We had three targets: to qualify for the semi-finals, to qualify for the AFCON by reaching the final, and to lift the trophy,” he said.
Ghana must now win their semi-final to achieve the second of those aims. Reaching the final would guarantee qualification for the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, while also leaving the Black Starlets in contention for the WAFU Zone B title.
The victory over Benin was an important step in Ghana’s campaign, ensuring they progressed when a place in the knockout stages was at stake. It also gave the squad confidence as they prepare for the next phase of the competition.
Mingle’s side will, however, face a more demanding challenge in the semi-finals. The coach and his staff will expect the players to maintain their concentration, follow their tactical instructions and take their opportunities in front of goal as they attempt to move closer to AFCON qualification.
Although reaching the last four has fulfilled the first objective, the technical team’s ambitions extend beyond simply securing a semi-final place. Ghana want to reach the final and then go on to win the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship.
Qualification for the final carries particular importance because it would confirm the Black Starlets’ place at the continental tournament. At the same time, it would keep alive their hopes of ending the competition as champions.
The 3-1 success means Ghana can approach the semi-final with the assurance of having already delivered on one of the targets identified before the tournament. Another positive result would take them within one match of achieving the second.
Mingle’s immediate task is to prepare his young squad for that next fixture. With a place in the final and AFCON qualification now within reach, Ghana will continue their campaign seeking both continental representation and the WAFU Zone B trophy.