2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship: We have achieved first target after reaching semi-finals - Black Starlets coach Kasim Mingle

Black Starlets coach Kasim Mingle says they have achieved their first objective at the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after securing a place in the semi-finals of the WAFU B U17 Championship with a game to spare.

Mingle’s side sealed their progression with a 3-1 victory over Benin on Tuesday, recording their second consecutive win to maintain their push for a place at the continental tournament.

Speaking after the match, Ocansey said the team had arrived at the competition with three clear targets: reaching the semi-finals, qualifying for the U17 AFCON by making the final, and winning the WAFU B title.

The former Nations FC and Swedru All Blacks coach expressed satisfaction with his players for achieving the first objective but stressed that the team still had two more goals to pursue.

“Coming here, we had three targets; to qualify for the semi-final, to qualify for the AFCON by being finalists and to lift the trophy. So far, the first target of making it to the semi-final has been achieved. We have two more to chase, and In Sha Allah we will achieve,” he said.

Ghana will now focus on their final group-stage fixture as they look to maintain their winning momentum ahead of the knockout stages.

Reaching the final would secure the Black Starlets a place at the 2027 U17 AFCON, while winning the competition remains Kasim Mingle's ultimate ambition.

The team will be hoping to build on their strong start as they continue their quest to qualify for the continental showpiece and lift the WAFU B U17 Championship trophy.