Cote d’Ivoire have qualified for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Ghana 1-0 in the semi-finals of the UFOA-B qualifying tournament in Ouagadougou.
The result on Tuesday, 20 October, also sent the Elephanteaux through to the regional final, where they will face either Niger or Burkina Faso. The second semi-final was due to take place later in the evening.
Cote d’Ivoire progressed to the tournament in Morocco by securing one of the two qualification places allocated to the UFOA-B zone. They became the first team from the regional competition to confirm their place at the next edition of the continental championship.
The only goal against Ghana came in the 77th minute, ending the Black Starlets’ unbeaten run in the competition and sending Cote d’Ivoire into the final.
Ghana’s unbeaten run ended
Ghana had entered the semi-final after topping Group A with seven points. The Black Starlets, coached by former international Laryea Kingston, opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Togo before beating Benin 3-1. They then drew 0-0 with hosts Burkina Faso.
Cote d’Ivoire’s route through Group B had been more demanding. The Elephants secured their place in the last four with a 1-1 draw against Nigeria and finished second in the group behind Niger.
The semi-final therefore carried significance beyond a place in the regional final. Victory guaranteed Cote d’Ivoire qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, while defeat would have ended their hopes of reaching the continental tournament.
Niger advanced from Group B in first place after recording, among other results, a surprise 2-1 win over Nigeria. Burkina Faso finished second in Group A and will meet Niger for the remaining qualification place.
Cote d’Ivoire will discover their opponents for the UFOA-B final later on Tuesday, but their principal objective has already been achieved. The Elephanteaux will be present at the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
