Black Starlets target WAFU B final and U-17 AFCON qualification

The Black Starlets of Ghana are targeting a place in the final of the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship and qualification for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, according to team media officer Sheikh Tophic Sienu.

Kasim Mingles's side began their campaign in Burkina Faso with a 1-0 victory over Togo, putting them in a strong position in Group A.

Ghana currently lead the group following Benin’s draw with Burkina Faso and will face Benin on Tuesday, 13 October, in their second group-stage match.

A victory would guarantee Ghana a place in the semi-finals and move them closer to achieving their objectives in the competition.

Speaking on Sporty FM, Sienu said reaching the final and securing qualification for the continental tournament were the team’s primary ambitions.

“The main target of the Black Starlets is to reach the final of the WAFU B U17 and qualify for the U17 AFCON. The GFA is doing everything to ensure the players are motivated to achieve that,” he stated.

Sienu also highlighted the support of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), saying the governing body was providing the necessary backing to motivate the players as they pursue their targets.

The WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship serves as a qualifying competition for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, with the two finalists earning places at the continental tournament.

That qualification pathway adds greater significance to Ghana’s remaining group matches, with the Black Starlets seeking to build on their opening win and maintain their push for a place in the final.

The match against Benin therefore presents Ghana with an opportunity to secure early progress to the knockout stage and strengthen their bid to return to the continental youth competition.