The Black Starlets kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup alive after securing a crucial 3-1 victory over South Africa at the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.
Ghana entered the decisive Group D clash under immense pressure following a 2-2 draw against Algeria and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal. The West African side needed at least a draw against South Africa to stay in contention for a place at the global tournament.
The Black Starlets made an impressive start and opened the scoring through captain Joseph Narbi, who calmly converted from the penalty spot with a powerful low strike beyond the South African goalkeeper.
Narbi doubled Ghana’s lead just before halftime, once again scoring from the spot after confidently sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to hand the Black Starlets a comfortable advantage heading into the break.
South Africa attempted a comeback in the second half, with Obama Mhlongo pulling one back to reduce the deficit and spark hopes for the Amajitas. However, those hopes were quickly dented after the South Africans were reduced to ten men moments later.
Ghana took full advantage of the numerical superiority deep into stoppage time when Augustine Appiah capitalised on a defensive mistake to fire home a low finish and seal an emphatic victory.
Despite the win, Ghana finished third in Group D behind leaders Senegal and second-placed Algeria. However, the Black Starlets remain in the race for World Cup qualification through the newly introduced playoff system.
Ghana will now face the Uganda Cubs in a decisive playoff match, with the winner securing a place at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The encounter is expected to carry extra intrigue as the Uganda side is coached by former Ghana international Laryea Kingston.
