BY Nadia Ntiamoah
Ghana’s U-17 national team, the Black Starlets, have intensified preparations for the upcoming Africa U-17 Cup of Nations with a crucial set of international friendlies against regional rivals Ivory Coast.
The Head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum believes the encounters will provide a vital test for his squad as they fine-tune their readiness for the continental tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco later this year.
The two nations are set to face off in a double-header at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan. The first match is slated for Tuesday, April 28, with the return fixture scheduled for Friday, May 1.
The back-to-back games are expected to offer Ghana a clear measure of their progress against one of West Africa’s strongest youth sides, the Young Elephants of Ivory Coast.
Testing Readiness Against Strong Opposition
Coach Ogum has emphasized the importance of facing high-quality opposition at this stage of preparation.
According to him, the matches will not only test the technical abilities of his players but also their mental strength and tactical discipline under pressure.
“These matches are very important for us at this stage of our preparation,” Ogum noted, stressing that playing away from home adds an extra layer of competitiveness.
He believes the fixtures will help the technical team identify strengths and weaknesses within the squad while making the necessary adjustments ahead of the tournament.
Final Phase Of Preparations Underway
The Black Starlets have already arrived in Abidjan after departing Ghana over the weekend, marking the beginning of their final phase of preparation.
The training camp in Ivory Coast is focusing on building team cohesion, sharpening match fitness, and refining tactical strategies.
For a team with a rich history in youth football — including multiple U-17 AFCON and FIFA U-17 World Cup successes — expectations remain high. Ghana is aiming to reassert itself as a dominant force at this level after years of rebuilding its youth structures.
Background: A Challenging Group Awaits
Ghana has been drawn into a competitive Group D at the U-17 AFCON, where they will face defending champions Senegal, alongside Algeria and South Africa.
The group is widely regarded as one of the toughest in the tournament, making thorough preparation essential for progression beyond the group stage.
Historically, the Black Starlets have been one of Africa’s most successful youth teams, producing talents who have gone on to represent the senior national team.
However, recent tournaments have highlighted the need for renewed focus on development and consistency.
