U-17 AFCON- Black Starlets face ‘do-or-die’ clash against South Africa

Ghana’s hopes of progressing at the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations now hang in the balance as the Black Starlets prepare for a must-win final Group D encounter against South Africa national under-17 football team on Wednesday.

The West African side opened their campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Algeria national under-17 football team before suffering a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Senegal national under-17 football team, despite Senegal playing much of the match with 10 men.

The results leave Ghana bottom of Group D with just one point, increasing the pressure on coach Prosper Narteh Ogum and his young squad heading into their final group game.

Speaking ahead of the crucial fixture, Black Starlets media officer Sheikh Tophic admitted that only a victory would be enough to keep Ghana’s qualification hopes alive.

“South Africa won their game 2-1 against Senegal and lost to Algeria, so they need a point against Ghana to qualify to the next phase of the competition,” he told 3Sports.

“The competition is such that 10 countries will represent Africa at the World Cup. Two of the best third-place finishers will be picked in addition to the top two teams in every group to make up the 10 countries.

“The only choice Ghana has against South Africa is to win,” he added.

With qualification to both the knockout stage and the FIFA U-17 World Cup at stake, the encounter is expected to be a tense and decisive test for the Black Starlets.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT.