Ghana's Black Starlets have arrived in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, after a gruelling 20-hour road journey ahead of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship. The team began their preparations in Accra before travelling to Bolgatanga, where they spent four days training at the Winkogo Technical Centre. This rigorous preparation is crucial as the tournament is set to begin on Saturday, 10 October. The Starlets are among the teams battling for qualification to the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Starlets resumed their journey on Tuesday, travelling by road across the Ghana-Burkina Faso border before eventually reaching the Burkina Faso capital. This lengthy trip comes just days after the young Ghanaian side returned from Morocco, where they played two friendly matches against the hosts as part of their final preparations for the regional tournament. In the first match, Ghana won 2-0, showcasing their skills and teamwork. However, Morocco claimed a 2-1 victory in the second encounter, scoring with the final kick of the game.
The Starlets have been drawn in Group B alongside hosts Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin. The top two teams in the group will qualify for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, increasing the importance of Ghana’s opening matches. Ghana will be hoping to navigate a challenging group and secure one of the two qualification places on offer for next year’s continental tournament. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and coaches alike.
The team's 20-hour journey, however, has raised concerns about the logistics and welfare arrangements for the young players, particularly given the security challenges affecting parts of the region. The road journey was arduous, and the team's welfare and readiness for the tournament are now being closely monitored. Ensuring the players' well-being and safety will be crucial for their success in the championship.
Despite the challenges, the Black Starlets are determined to make a strong impression in the tournament. The team has been working hard to fine-tune their skills and strategy, and they are confident about their chances of qualifying for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. The Starlets' coach and players are focused on achieving their goals and making Ghana proud.
The 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship is a significant tournament for Ghana's young footballers, offering them a platform to showcase their talents and gain valuable experience. The championship will feature some of the leading youth teams in the WAFU Zone B region, and Ghana will be looking to make a strong impact. The team's performance will be crucial in determining their future prospects in football.
The Black Starlets will now settle in Ouagadougou and complete their final preparations before beginning their campaign against some of the leading youth teams in the WAFU Zone B region. The team’s arrival in Burkina Faso marks the final stage of their preparations, and they are ready to take on the challenges ahead. Key matches and outcomes will determine their qualification for the next stage.
Key points
- The Black Starlets have arrived in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, after a 20-hour road journey for the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship.
- Ghana has been drawn in Group B alongside hosts Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin, with the top two teams qualifying for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
- The team's long journey has raised concerns about the logistics and welfare arrangements for the young players.
