The Black Starlets secured a morale-boosting victory over Division One League leaders Port City in a competitive pre-tournament friendly, thanks to a decisive early strike from skipper Joseph Narbi.

Narbi capped a beautifully constructed team move with a sublime finish just minutes after kickoff, calmly slotting home what proved to be the only goal of the encounter. The early breakthrough set the tone for a match that tested the Starlets’ tactical discipline and physical readiness.

Despite conceding early, Port City demonstrated why they currently sit atop Zone 3 of the Division One League standings. Their aggression, pressing intensity, and structured play provided exactly the level of opposition required for meaningful preparation, forcing the Starlets to stay organized and alert throughout the contest.

The match forms part of Ghana’s build-up to the upcoming 2026 U17 AFCON, scheduled to be staged in Morocco this April. Technical handlers have emphasized the importance of high-quality friendlies to sharpen match fitness and evaluate squad depth ahead of the continental showpiece.

Later in the day, the Starlets are set to face Semper Fi in a second test fixture, continuing a carefully structured preparation schedule designed to simulate tournament conditions. The technical bench believes multiple matches in quick succession will help players adapt to the demands of competitive tournaments.

Head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum explained that organizing two friendlies in one day is a deliberate strategy to ensure every player gets adequate game time while maintaining uniform fitness levels across the squad as they intensify preparations for continental action.

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