Black Starlets head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has described Ghana’s upcoming double-header friendly against Ivory Coast as a crucial test ahead of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year.
The Ghana U-17 side will face the Young Elephants in two consecutive international friendlies as part of their preparations for the tournament scheduled to be staged in Morocco.
Both matches will take place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, with the first encounter set for Tuesday, April 28, followed by the return fixture on Friday, May 1.
Ogum says the games will offer his team the kind of high-level opposition needed to properly assess their readiness for the continental competition.
“These matches are very important for us at this stage of our preparation,” he told the Ghana FA website.
“We need strong opposition to properly assess the team and make the right adjustments before the tournament.
“Playing Ivory Coast away gives us a real competitive edge. It will test our mentality, our structure, and our ability to cope under pressure,” the former Kotoko coach added.
Meanwhile, the Black Starlets have already arrived safely in Ebimpe, Abidjan, after departing Ghana on Sunday to continue their build-up.
Ghana have been drawn in a demanding Group D for the AFCON tournament, where they will face Senegal, Algeria, and South Africa in what promises to be a tough campaign in Morocco.
