U-17 AFCON: Black Starlets suffer 1-0 loss to 10-man Senegal

Ghana’s Black Starlets suffered a major setback in their 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Senegal in their second Group D match in Morocco on Sunday evening.

Following a 2-2 draw against Algeria in their opening fixture, the Starlets entered the clash hoping to secure their first win of the tournament.

Ghana made a bright start and thought they had taken an early lead, but their effort in the eighth minute was ruled out following a VAR review.

Senegal’s task became more difficult in the 42nd minute when El Hadji Sow was shown a second yellow card, reducing the defending side to 10 men.

Despite enjoying the numerical advantage, the Black Starlets failed to capitalise. Isaac Barfo missed a crucial penalty deep into first-half stoppage time, leaving the game goalless at the break.

Senegal punished Ghana’s missed opportunities after recess, with Ibrahima Dione scoring the decisive goal in the 57th minute to give the former champions the lead.

The Black Starlets pressed for a late equaliser but struggled to break down Senegal’s resilient defence, despite playing against 10 men for much of the contest.

The defeat leaves Ghana rooted at the bottom of Group D with just one point from two matches. The Starlets will now turn their attention to a decisive final group game against South Africa on Wednesday, May 20.