The Black Starlets of Ghana have landed in Cote d’Ivoire ahead of the 2025 WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations, a tournament that not only crowns champions but also serves as a gateway to the prestigious U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Led by Head Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum, the team arrived on Tuesday, September 16, with high hopes of rekindling Ghana’s legacy in youth football. The competition will be staged in Yamoussoukro, with most matches hosted at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
Ghana has been drawn in Group A, alongside host nation Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, and Togo. The Black Starlets open their campaign against Togo on September 20, face the Ivorians on September 23, and conclude the group stage with a decisive clash against Niger on September 26. The tournament will run until October 3, 2025.
But this story is bigger than football fixtures. It is about the future of Ghana’s youth. These boys carry the hopes of a nation, and their journey is a reminder of why investment in grassroots sports is critical. Football has long been a unifying force in Ghana, shaping discipline, teamwork, and national pride. Yet, without consistent support—facilities, mentorship, and funding—the dreams of many young talents risk fading away.
As the Starlets step onto the continental stage, advocacy must echo louder: support our youth, invest in sports development, and safeguard the future of Ghanaian football. Every goal they score and every challenge they overcome is not just for victory in Yamoussoukro, but for the dreams of countless young Ghanaians aspiring to rise through the beautiful game.
This is more than a tournament. It is a call to action—for policymakers, corporate Ghana, and communities to stand firmly behind the nation’s budding stars. The Black Starlets represent tomorrow’s Black Stars, and their success depends on what we do today.
