Black Starlets Secure Semi-Final Spot with Late Surge Against Niger
Ghana’s U17 side, the Black Starlets, have advanced to the semi-finals of the WAFU Zone B U17 Cup of Nations after sealing a dramatic 3-1 win over Niger in Abidjan.
Needing victory to keep their qualification hopes for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations alive, the young Ghanaians responded with grit and quality following their earlier setback against Ivory Coast.
It took just four minutes for Ghana to strike first, with Robinho Yao Gavi finishing off a slick attacking move to hand his side the perfect start. The advantage, however, was short-lived as Niger hit back only three minutes later to level the score.
The game developed into a fiercely contested battle, with both teams testing each other’s defensive resilience. With time running out, it required a moment of brilliance from Mark Kagawa Mensah, who unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike ten minutes from time to restore Ghana’s lead.
Deep into stoppage time, Yao Gavi struck again, completing his brace and putting the result beyond doubt as the Black Starlets booked their place in the last four.
Ghana will now turn their focus to the semi-finals, where they await confirmation of their opponents from Group B’s concluding fixtures. The Starlets remain determined to push forward in their quest for a ticket to the next U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
