Chairman of the National Juvenile Committee (NJC), Joe Salam Abubakar, has hailed the Ghana Black Starlets for their resilience and performance, despite falling short in the WAFU B U-17 Championship final.
Ghana’s U-17 side recovered impressively after a sluggish start, securing a spot in the final with a hard-fought victory over Nigeria in the semifinals.
However, in Friday night’s final against Ivory Coast at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, the Black Starlets were edged out 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time.
In a message to the team, Salam Abubakar praised the players’ determination, fighting spirit, and quality throughout the tournament, describing the competition as one filled with memorable moments and exciting football.
He expressed confidence that the experience gained in the WAFU B Championship will equip the Starlets for future success on the continental stage. He also encouraged the team to rest, recover, and return even stronger.
“Beyond the result, Ghanaians are immensely proud of the commitment and effort shown by the team throughout the campaign,” Salam Abubakar said.
Despite missing out on the gold medal, the Black Starlets have secured qualification for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.
Meanwhile, Nigeria claimed the bronze medal after defeating Burkina Faso at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
