WAFU B U-17 AFCON Qualifiers: Executive Director director Philippe Tchere hails transparent draw ahead of Ouagadougou tournament
Ghana have been drawn alongside hosts Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo in Group A of the 2027 WAFU Zone B U17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament.
The draw for the regional competition was held in Ouagadougou on Thursday, setting up what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle for places at the 2027 U17 AFCON.
Group B features Côte d’Ivoire, Niger and Nigeria, with all seven participating nations aiming to secure qualification for the continental championship.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on 10 October 2026 in the Burkinabe capital, where the region's emerging talents will compete for a place on Africa's biggest youth football stage.
WAFU Zone B Executive Director Philippe Tchere welcomed the outcome of the draw, describing the process as transparent and competitive.
“It’s been a good draw; very open and transparent for all to see,” Tchere said after the ceremony.
He believes the familiarity between the participating nations will add to the intensity of the competition, with neighbouring countries regularly meeting in regional tournaments.
“These countries are neighbours and already know each other,” he added.
Attention now turns to preparations for the tournament, with Tchere expressing optimism ahead of the teams' return to Ouagadougou next month.
“We can’t wait to re-assemble here in Ouagadougou next month for the tournament,” he said.
Meanwhile, the draw for the WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Championship has also produced several intriguing fixtures.
Hosts Côte d’Ivoire were placed in a group with Burkina Faso and Benin, while Ghana will face Nigeria, Togo and Niger in Group B when the competition begins on 15 September 2026.
Both tournaments will serve as qualifying events for the 2027 U17 AFCON, with the region’s brightest young players hoping to earn the opportunity to represent WAFU Zone B on the continental stage.