Ghana’s U-17 side, the Black Starlets, were dealt a heavy blow in their quest to reach the knockout stage of the WAFU Zone B Championship after a crushing 3–0 loss to host nation Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade Charles Konan Banny.

The young Ghanaians entered the encounter on a wave of optimism following an encouraging 1–1 draw with Togo in their opening match—a game in which they showed resilience despite being reduced to ten men and even forced their opponents to chase the game. That spirited start, however, gave way to a sobering reality as the Young Elephants dominated from start to finish, leaving the Starlets rooted to the bottom of Group A.

To compound Ghana’s challenge, Niger outclassed Togo 3–1 in the group’s other fixture, tightening the race for qualification. The permutations are now stark: only a win in their final group match against Niger on Friday, September 26, 2025 will keep Ghana’s hopes alive.

All eyes turn to that decisive showdown as the Black Starlets seek redemption and a lifeline in the competition.