Prosper Ogum Backs Black Starlets to Respond Ahead of Crucial Senegal Encounter
Head coach of Ghana national under-17 football team, Prosper Narteh Ogum, believes his players are mentally and physically prepared to bounce back strongly in their next outing at the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Starlets are preparing for a decisive Group D clash against Senegal national under-17 football team following their dramatic 2-2 draw with Algeria national under-17 football team in the opening round.
Ghana made an explosive start in that contest, racing into a two-goal lead inside the opening 10 minutes before Algeria staged a second-half comeback to rescue a point.
Despite the disappointment of surrendering the advantage, Ogum says the team has already shifted focus to the important challenge ahead against Senegal.
According to the Black Starlets coach, the squad must improve physically and maintain intensity throughout the full duration of the match.
“We need to get ready physically to run throughout the 90 minutes with and without the ball because if they lose, they are out of contention, out of the tournament and probably out of qualifying for the World Cup,” Ogum said.
The former Asante Kotoko SC trainer also stressed the importance of avoiding a situation where qualification hopes depend entirely on the final group fixture against South Africa national under-17 football team.
“Similarly, if we also don’t do well, if we also lose this game, it means that our chances will be in the hands of our last game, the opponents of the last game that we are going to play against, which is South Africa. And we don’t want to get into that stage. So we have to go all out.”
Ogum further expressed confidence in the mentality and readiness of his players ahead of the high-pressure encounter.
“Mentally and physically we need to go all out. And if you look at the body language of the players, it’s clear that they are ready.”
The Black Starlets will be aiming to secure their first victory of the tournament when they face Senegal in a match that could play a decisive role in determining qualification from Group D.
