WAFU B U17 Championship: Black Starlets pip Nigeria to seal final and AFCON berths
Ghana’s Black Starlets have booked their ticket to the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, following a commanding 2–0 victory over Nigeria in the WAFU Zone B Championship semifinal at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro.
Ghana started with intensity, pressing high and creating early chances. After Narbi Joseph went close and Robinho Gavi Yao forced a fine save, the breakthrough came in the 21st minute when John Awule finished off a flowing team move.
Just ten minutes later, Yao curled home a stunning strike after a clever assist from Kagawa Mensah, doubling Ghana’s lead and silencing the Nigerian bench.
📽️🇬🇭 Goals from Michael Awuli and Robinho Yao Gavi sealed a 2-0 win for the Black Starlets over Nigeria U17, securing qualification for the U17 AFCON. pic.twitter.com/foog9Xfc1u
— Penty Dzidzor (@penty_dzidzor) September 30, 2025
Nigeria responded with urgency, but goalkeeper Solomon Kwame produced two brilliant saves before halftime to preserve the advantage. In the second half, Ghana shifted to a compact shape, absorbing pressure and launching counterattacks. Kwame remained solid, notably with a crucial 80th-minute save.
The win sets up a final clash against hosts Ivory Coast on Sunday, a rematch of their earlier group-stage meeting, which the Ivorians won. With qualification secured, Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side now chase the WAFU B title to cap off their resurgence.
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