Black Starlets coach, Kassim Ocansey Mingle, has challenged his players to complete the next two stages of their WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship mission by securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and lifting the regional trophy, with Ghana booking a semi-final place with a game to spare.
The Ghanaian youngsters maintained their impressive start to the qualifying tournament with a commanding 3-1 victory over Benin last Tuesday, recording their second successive win and moving a step closer to the continental showpiece.
The Starlets had earlier opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Togo in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The Ghanaian coach expressed satisfaction with his side's progress, having achieved the first of three targets established before the tournament, but insisted that reaching the last four was only the beginning of a bigger assignment.
Acknowledging that his side have room for improvement despite their encouraging performances, Mingle says he is determined to turn Ghana's early promise into continental qualification and regional silverware.
“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,” he explained after Tuesday’s important victory.
“So far, the first target of making it to the semi-final has been achieved. We have two more to chase and, God willing, we will achieve it.”
The Starlets’ immediate priority is to reach the final to secure a ticket to the 2027 U-17 AFCON, before attempting to complete the mission by winning the WAFU B championship.
Issah inspires victory
Ghana's convincing win over Benin was built on a blistering start from striker Alidu Issah, whose two goals inside the opening eight minutes put the Black Starlets firmly in control.
Issah struck in the fourth minute and doubled Ghana's advantage four minutes later, delivering a clinical attacking performance that earned him the Player of the Match award.
Benin threatened a comeback when they reduced the deficit in the 31st minute, but Ghana weathered the pressure before Nii Odoi Tawiah sealed victory in the 81st minute, converting after excellent work by substitute Prince Apam.
However, despite two victories and four goals scored, Ghana’s coach maintains that his players must keep their focus, sharpen their overall performance and demonstrate greater consistency as the competition enters its decisive phase.
The Black Starlets will resume preparations today ahead of their final Group A encounter against hosts Burkina Faso tomorrow, October 16.
