Black Starlets starting team
Ghana’s Black Starlets will face Ivory Coast in the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U17 Championship after the Ivorians secured second place in Group B with a 1-1 draw against Nigeria on Saturday.
The West African rivals will meet in the first semi-final on Tuesday at 16:00 GMT, with a place in the final and qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco at stake.
Ivory Coast finished behind Group B winners Niger to set up the crucial encounter against Ghana, who topped Group A with an unbeaten record.
Coach Kassim Ocansey’s side collected seven points from three matches, defeating Togo and Benin before drawing 0-0 with hosts Burkina Faso in their final group fixture.
The Black Starlets scored four goals and conceded just one to finish top of the standings, demonstrating their defensive solidity throughout the group stage.
Ghana will now seek to extend their unbeaten run and secure qualification for the continental tournament in Morocco. The team will also be eager to reach the final as they pursue the WAFU Zone B U17 title.
However, Ivory Coast are expected to provide a stern test, with both teams knowing that victory will secure qualification for the 2027 U17 AFCON, while defeat would end their hopes of qualifying through the tournament.
The semi-final therefore represents a crucial test for Ocansey and his players, who will be determined to deliver a strong performance, overcome their Ivorian rivals and book their place at the continental showpiece.
BY Wletsu Ransford