Black Starlets Stumble Against Ivory Coast in AFCON Preparatory Friendly
Ghana’s U-17 national team endured a setback in their build-up to the continental championship, losing 2-0 to Cote d’Ivoire in an international friendly played at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe.
The encounter formed part of a structured preparation programme for the Black Starlets, offering head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum an opportunity to assess his squad against strong opposition ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
After a balanced first half in which both sides showed discipline and attacking intent, the hosts took control following the break. Goals from Diabaté Yssouf and Nomané Guy ensured victory for the Young Elephants, who proved more clinical in front of goal.
Ghana created promising openings throughout the contest but struggled to convert their chances, an area the technical team is expected to address before the tournament.
The match is the first of a two-game friendly series between the West African rivals, with a return fixture scheduled for April 30. Both games are being used as key evaluation tools as the coaching staff fine-tunes tactics and player combinations.
The Black Starlets are preparing for a demanding U-17 AFCON campaign, where they have been drawn in Group D alongside Senegal, Algeria, and South Africa. With qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup also at stake, the importance of these preparatory matches remains significant.
Despite the defeat, the exercise provides valuable insights as Ghana continues to shape a competitive squad for the challenges ahead.
