Ogum Unveils Black Starlets Squad for 2026 U-17 AFCON in Morocco
Head coach Prosper Nartey Ogum has announced Ghana’s final squad for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Black Starlets set to begin their campaign later this month in Morocco.
The competition gets underway on May 13, with Ghana opening their Group D fixtures against Algeria on May 14. The Black Starlets will also face defending champions Senegal and South Africa in what is widely viewed as one of the toughest groups in the tournament.
Ogum has selected three goalkeepers for the tournament, with Solomon Kesse, Michael Armah and John Annan earning places after strong performances during the team’s preparation period.
The defensive setup features Mujahid Osman, Kingsley Fosu, Issah Rafiu, Essau Atsu Kpoeti, Nicholas Essuman, Jacob Etse Kpoeti and Gabriel Denyinah, forming a backline expected to face stern tests against some of the continent’s top attacking sides.
In midfield, Issac Barfo, Augustine Appiah, Michael Awuli, Michael Nyantakyi, Eric Adu Gyamfi and Mark Kagawa Mensah have been entrusted with driving the team’s play, balancing defensive responsibilities with attacking creativity.
Leading Ghana’s attacking options are Mark Aboagye, Abdul Latif Wunzalgu, Joseph Narbi, Gavi Robinho Yao, Clement Agyei and David Ofori, all of whom impressed during recent preparatory matches.
The Black Starlets concluded their build-up with a series of friendlies against Côte d’Ivoire, using the matches to sharpen tactics and assess combinations ahead of the tournament.
Ghana will be aiming to make a strong impression in Morocco as they chase continental success and qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
