Black Starlets head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum says his side will be thoroughly prepared for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco after sealing qualification with an inspired run at the WAFU B U-17 Championship in Ivory Coast.
Ghana secured their AFCON ticket by defeating Nigeria in the semifinals, ending years of failed qualification attempts at this level.
The Starlets, however, narrowly missed out on the regional crown, falling 4-3 on penalties to hosts Ivory Coast in Friday’s final at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.
Despite the heartbreak, Ogum praised his young squad for their resilience and promised even greater focus ahead of the continental challenge.
“These boys have shown great character and determination,” he said. “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.”
The Black Starlets will now turn their attention to the 2026 U-17 AFCON, where they aim to restore Ghana’s historic reputation as a powerhouse in youth football.
