The Black Starlets, Ghana’s U-17 national team, are intensifying their preparations for the upcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with two friendly matches at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi.
On Saturday, they’ll face FC Samartex 1996’s Youth Team, followed by a clash against the club’s First Team on Sunday.
These matches are part of the team’s structured buildup program, aimed at sharpening tactics and assessing squad depth ahead of the continental championship.
Head Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum believes facing competitive clubs will provide the right balance of intensity and experimentation, allowing the young talents to experience physical play and tactical discipline similar to what they’ll encounter on the continental stage.
The Black Starlets have been in good form, recently edging Na God FC 3-2 and following up with a 4-3 victory over True Democracy FC.
These performances have given the team encouraging signs, despite some defensive lapses.
FC Samartex 1996, based in Samreboi, has a strong youth development program, with teams competing in various age groups.
The club’s First Team is currently participating in the Ghana Premier League.
The matches against Samartex will serve as a crucial assessment platform for the Black Starlets’ technical team, allowing them to evaluate form, fitness levels, and tactical adaptability under match conditions.
With the U-17 AFCON fast approaching, the focus is now on match realism and psychological readiness.
