Starlets Showed Grit Against Togo- Prosper Ogum
Black Starlets head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum has lauded his players’ mental strength and tactical discipline after Ghana opened their WAFU Zone B U-17 Boys Championship campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Togo in Yamoussoukro on Sunday.
The match got off to a dramatic start when defender Gabriel Denyinah received a red card just two minutes in, forcing the Starlets to battle with ten men for almost the entire game. Despite the early setback, Ghana struck first in the ninth minute as captain Joseph Narbi timed his run perfectly to connect with a fine delivery from Mark Aboagye, giving the team an unexpected lead.
Togo pushed for an equaliser and were eventually rewarded in the second half when Sultan Ganiou converted from the penalty spot. But Ghana’s youngsters held firm defensively to protect the draw, showcasing their resilience under pressure.
Coach Ogum expressed admiration for his players’ response to adversity. “Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for almost the entire match, they played to my instructions and showed discipline. That is the mentality we want to build in this team,” he noted.
He reserved special praise for skipper Narbi, who not only found the net but also guided his teammates through a testing encounter. “Joseph showed great character today. His goal and overall contribution inspired the rest of the team,” Ogum said.
The result leaves Ghana with plenty to build on as they prepare to face tournament hosts Ivory Coast on Tuesday, a clash that could prove decisive in their bid to progress.
