Accra: The Black Starlets of Ghana qualified for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Nigeria 2-0 in the semifinals of the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship.
According to Ghana News Agency, the win for Ghana places them in the competition’s finals against hosts Ivory Coast, with both sides also claiming two automatic tickets to next year’s U17 AFCON, which will be held in Morocco. This marks Ghana’s return to the continental level for the first time since 2017, having missed the previous editions.
Following a challenging start against Ivory Coast at this year’s tournament, Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum’s team managed a 3-1 victory over Niger to reach the semi-finals of the competition. Goals from Michael Awuli and forward Robinho Yao Gavi ensured victory for the Black Starlets over arch-rivals Nigeria, securing qualification to next year’s U17 AFCON.
The victory not only grants Ghana a ticket to the U17 AFCON but also reignites hopes of reclaiming continental glory after years of absence. Ghana will be aiming to win the WAFU Zone B U17 tournament when they face Ivory Coast on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium.