The U17 national team of Ghana, the Black Starlets, have arrived in Morocco ahead of the start of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the country’s return to the competition after almost a decade away.
The squad travelled with 21 players and 14 officials as preparations continue for the continental tournament, where Ghana will also attempt to secure qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
The Black Starlets are returning to the competition for the first time since 2017, when they finished runners-up in Gabon. Ghana, a two-time African champion at this level, has been placed in a difficult Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal and South Africa.
The team departed from Accra on Wednesday morning, with Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku accompanying the squad to the airport and offering words of encouragement to the players before their journey.
Reflecting on the team’s recent friendly matches against Ivory Coast, Okraku praised the players for their response after suffering defeat in the opening encounter.
“Im very happy that when you lost to Ivory Coast in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to come backnot only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said.
The GFA president said the reaction shown by the players demonstrated resilience and determination, qualities he believes will be needed during the tournament in Morocco.
“I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your headsthat, its not over until its all over,” Okraku added.
“When the chips are down, thats when we need to hold each other together. So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum will oversee the team’s final phase of preparations before Ghana begin their campaign in the competition.
The tournament represents an important moment for Ghanaian youth football, with the Black Starlets seeking to re-establish themselves among the continent’s leading sides after years away from the championship.
Ghana has a strong history in youth football and remains one of the most successful nations in the competition’s history. However, the country has struggled to maintain a regular presence at the tournament in recent years.
Their return to the U17 Africa Cup of Nations is therefore seen as an opportunity to revive the fortunes of the youth national set-up and compete once again on the international stage.
The challenge facing the Black Starlets will be considerable, with Group D containing several strong opponents. Senegal and South Africa are among the teams expected to compete strongly, while Algeria will also provide a difficult test.
Despite the demanding group, Ghana’s preparations and recent performances in friendly matches have raised hopes that the team can progress deep into the tournament.
The Black Starlets will now continue training in Morocco as they prepare to begin their campaign against some of Africa’s top youth sides, with the added ambition of earning a place at the next FIFA U17 World Cup.
