Ghana's Ransford Osei struck thrice as the Black Starlets beat their Guinean opponents 3-1 in the first leg qualifier for the African Youth Tournament on Sunday.

The game was the first for the Black Starlets in the qualifying series for the African Youth Tournament.

Ghana spurned the opportunity to take the lead in the 16th minute when Pero Gwallah failed to convert a penalty kick.

But Ransford Osei set the packed Sunyani Coronation Park alive in the 28th minute when he hit the back of the net to put Ghana in the lead.

The Black Starlets held onto the lone goal lead till the end of the first half.

Back from recess, Ransford Osei increased the tally in the 57th minute or Ghana.

The young Kessben FC marksman hit a hattrick when he scored the thid goal in the 72nd minute to give Ghana a 3-0 lead.

The Guineans fought for a consolation and saw their efforts rewarded when with two minute to ends regulation time, Quattara Camara scored.

The return leg is in two weeks time when the Black Starlets play away in Conankry.

Ghana coach, Bashiru Hayford in a post match interview expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.

“I am happy with the teams play and also the number of goals scored.

"We Still need to work on their striking abilities.

"The confidence level of the players would have to be boosted as well."