BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
Ghana’s Black Starlets have secured qualification for the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship after recording an impressive 3-1 victory over Benin in their second Group A encounter in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The victory extended winning run to two matches and confirmed their place in the last four, underlining the team’s strong start to the regional competition as they pursue the championship title and a place at the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Issah Alidu emerged as one of standout performers, scoring twice, while Nii Tawiah Odoi also found the net to complete the Black Starlets’ scoring in a match that secured their second consecutive victory.
The result means Ghana have maintained a perfect record in Group A after opening their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Togo.
David Kwarteng scored the decisive goal against Togo to give the young Ghanaian side a winning start, and the team followed that performance with a more productive attacking display against Benin.
The two victories have strengthened their position in the group and ensured that the team can now approach the remainder of the competition with a semi-final place already secured.
Alidu’s brace proved crucial in triumph, with Odoi contributing another goal as the Black Starlets demonstrated their attacking potential against a Benin side determined to remain competitive in the group.
The 3-1 scoreline reflected Ghana’s ability to convert opportunities and maintain the momentum generated by their opening-day victory.
The technical team will nevertheless be expected to assess the team’s overall performance as preparations begin for the semi-final stage, where the level of competition is likely to intensify.
Maintaining concentration in defence, improving decision-making in possession and taking advantage of scoring opportunities will remain important as Ghana seek to extend their winning run.
Ahead of the encounter, assistant coach Hamza Mohammed expressed confidence in the Black Starlets’ determination to secure qualification, while acknowledging the quality of the Benin team.
“We know they will come hard, but we are focused on securing qualification to the semi-final. Benin have a very good team; we respect them, but we know who we are and what we want,” Hamza said before the match.
The team’s victory subsequently delivered the desired outcome, with Ghana securing qualification after winning their first two Group A matches.
The Black Starlets will now seek to build on that achievement as they prepare for the more demanding challenges awaiting them in the semi-finals.
Benin Face Uncertainty After Defeat
Benin entered the match hoping to record their first victory of the tournament after opening their campaign with a goalless draw against hosts Burkina Faso.
However, the 3-1 defeat leaves their qualification hopes dependent on the remaining group results.
The Beninese side will need to assess its position in the group and determine what is required to remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
The 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship carries additional significance because it serves as a qualifying competition for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The progress therefore represents an important step in their broader campaign, although further challenges remain before the team can secure the ultimate rewards on offer.The Black Starlets will be aiming to carry their current momentum into the semi-finals, where they will face another test of their quality, discipline and ability to perform under pressure.
