Kurt Okraku Rallies Black Starlets Ahead of Decisive South Africa Showdown
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has delivered a strong message of encouragement to the Black Starlets ahead of their crucial final Group D fixture against South Africa at the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Ghana Football Association president addressed the players and technical team through a Zoom meeting on Tuesday evening shortly after the squad completed its final training session before the decisive encounter.
With Ghana sitting bottom of the group after two matches, Simeon-Okraku reminded the players of the hard work and sacrifices made throughout the last year and urged them not to lose belief in themselves despite the current situation.
“My mission here is to remind all of us that after almost 12 months of preparations, traveling to several places in Ghana to play friendlies and traveling to Ivory Coast to play friendly matches, we are sitting at the bottom of the table after two rounds of games,” he said.
“A team that is well prepared and has shown a lot of promise is at the bottom of the table after matchday two with just one point. This is not the best situation, but the good thing is that we still have one more game to either stay in the competition or secure a play-off slot to fight for a place at the World Cup, which is our ultimate goal.”
Despite Ghana’s difficult start to the tournament, the GFA president stressed that confidence in the squad remains high both within the football association and across the country.
“I believe in this team despite the two setbacks, and my answer will always be yes if I am asked whether this is a good team. This is the same belief all Ghanaians have in you,” he added.
Simeon-Okraku explained that the purpose of the interaction was to remind the players that they continue to enjoy massive support from fans back home as they prepare for one of their most important matches of the tournament.
“I asked for this meeting just to remind you that Ghanaians believe in you and we believe you will qualify. You have tomorrow to let the whole of Ghana talk about you.”
He concluded with a passionate appeal to the team to fight for the nation when they take to the pitch against South Africa.
“Just go out there, play well, and win for Ghana.”
The Black Starlets head into Wednesday’s encounter knowing victory could significantly revive their hopes of advancing in the tournament and keep alive their ambition of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
