Black Starlets head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has lauded his players for their resilience and fighting spirit despite falling short in the final of the WAFU B U-17 Championship.
After a shaky start to the tournament, Ghana’s U-17 side bounced back impressively, sealing a place in the final with a hard-fought victory over Nigeria in the semifinals.
However, the Black Starlets were denied the title by host nation Ivory Coast, losing 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Speaking after the match, the former Asante Kotoko boss expressed pride in his team’s progress and attitude throughout the competition.
“These boys have shown great character and determination,” Ogum said after the game.
“To reach the final and qualify for the AFCON after such a long time is a step in the right direction.
“We will continue to build and prepare them well for the challenge in Morocco,” he added.
Despite the heartbreak in the final, Ghana’s campaign ended on a positive note as they secured qualification for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted in Morocco.
