On Wednesday, the Black Starlets will play two friendly games at the Accra Sports Stadium to intensify their preparations for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

In two games intended to gauge the team’s preparedness before the continental tournament, Ghana’s U-17 team will first play Attram De Visser at 8:00 am and then Golden Kick FC at 10:00 am.

As the technical team steps up attempts to improve match fitness, evaluate player combinations, and refine tactics, the friendlies are a part of a planned build-up program. The coaching staff is eager to assess the squad’s depth and competitive acumen in match conditions as the 2026 U-17 AFCON draws near.

The Starlets have already played a series of preparatory games against True Democracy FC, Na God FC, Port City FC and Semper Fi FC as part of their ongoing training schedule.

Wednesday’s fixtures are expected to offer further insight into the team’s progress as Ghana continues its quest to make a strong impression at the upcoming youth championship.

Black Starlets go to the final and secure a spot in AFCON 2026 after defeating Nigeria

The Ghanaian Black Starlets defeated Nigeria 2-0 on Tuesday night at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, guaranteeing them a place in the final of the current WAFU B U-17 Championship.

Michael Awuli opened the scoring in the twenty-first minute, giving Prosper Narteh Ogum’s team a good start.

Robinho Yao Gavi put the Starlets firmly in control ten minutes later when he scored a well-taken goal from the outskirts of the box to extend Ghana’s lead.

Solomon Kwame Kesse, the goalie, was instrumental in maintaining Ghana’s lead and holding Nigeria at bay by making critical saves.

The young Ghanaians maintained their dominance after the break, holding on comfortably to seal the win and advance to the final.

The victory sets up a decisive clash against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Friday, October 3. Ghana will be seeking redemption, having lost 3-0 to the Ivorians in the group stage.

Beyond reaching the final, the result also guarantees Ghana a place at the next U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, their first appearance at the continental tournament since 2017.

According to Black Starlets assistant coach Laryea Kingston, the Black Starlets are being raised with an aggressive football mentality.

Last month, Ghana won the UEFA U16 Development Tournament in Serbia before competing in two friendly against the Saudi Arabia U17 team.

Since being chosen coaches of the U17 national team, Kingston and Karim Zito’s Black Starlets have scored 31 goals in eight games.

Kingston claims that the U17 team’s style of play is even comparable to that of Manchester City.

“One thing we should all know is that we are an attacking team. You can see that we played three friendlies before the tournament in Serbia and two games against Saudi Arabia, We’ve played eight matches and have scored 31 goals,” he told reporters at the unveiling of the Baby Jet U16 tournament.

“The least goals we have scored is three in a game. I know people will say Ghana national team is a one goal project, now we are scoring goals and definitely opponents will get the chance to score but at the end of the game we make sure we win,” he added.

“Of course, we are scoring we will have to concede. Man City score a lot of goals and concede, if you have the stats of Manchester City, they score a lot of goals and the goals they have conceded is almost half of what they have scored. So we should focus on the positives.”