This is the test we needed – Prosper Ogum after Black Starlets defeat to Mali
Ghana’s Black Starlets wrapped up preparations for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a narrow 1-0 loss to Mali, but head coach Prosper Ogum believes the performance offered more positives than negatives ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
A second-half goal from Mali’s Young Eagles separated the two sides in a tightly contested friendly, marking the final warm-up match for Ghana before the continental showpiece.
Despite the defeat, Ogum expressed satisfaction with the intensity and quality of the encounter, describing it as the perfect test for his young squad.
“This was the type of test we needed ahead of the AFCON,” Ogum said after the game.
The former Asante Kotoko coach praised his players for matching Mali’s physicality and discipline while showing confidence on the ball throughout the game.
“Mali gave us intensity, discipline and competition at a very high level, and I’m happy with how the boys responded,” he added.
Ghana created several scoring chances but failed to convert, an area the coach admitted still needs improvement before the tournament begins.
“We created enough chances to win the game, but sometimes football is like that,” Ogum noted.
He, however, emphasized that the team’s overall display, pressing, movement and mentality were more important indicators of readiness than the final scoreline.
“What is important for me is the way the boys approached the game, their movement, their pressing and their confidence on the ball. These are things we can build on heading into the tournament.”
Ogum also stressed that the focus remains on development and preparation rather than results during the team’s final build-up phase.
“At this stage, results are secondary to preparation. We have identified a few areas to improve, and that is exactly why these matches are important. I am convinced the team will be ready when the tournament starts,” he concluded.
The Black Starlets head into the 2026 U-17 AFCON facing a tough Group D challenge against Algeria, Senegal and South Africa.
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