It has been over a decade since veteran coach; Emmanuel Kwasi Afranie took part in an Under-17 competition. But whatever he has been missing these past years, he appears to have been presented with the chance to put out another Ghanaian team in the Under-17 competition.

E.K Afranie saw his Black Starlets take a commanding lead in the first leg fixture of the final round of qualifying against the Gambia for a place in next year’s African Under-17 Championship.

Ghana finished the match played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday 3-1 winners over the Young Scorpions with the return clash, which would be the decider set for Banjul in a fortnight.

A 14th minute opener by Ghana’s Bright Addae was cancelled out two minutes later by Oman Colley, proving the Gambians resolve to go the full haul as the first half ended 1-1.

Then, the scales tilted in favour of the veteran Ghanaian coach as his side produced an improved second half performance that saw the Black Starlets continuously knocking at the doors of their opponents.

In the 75th minute, a cross into the Gambian box was handled by a defender result in a penalty for Ghana.

Moro Ibrahim stepped up to convert the spot kick to give Ghana a 2-1 lead at that stage of the match.

The onus was always on Ghana to score and win the tie. And eleven minutes later, the Black Starlets, again had to score from the spot kick. Ebow Andoh was flattened by an opponent.

Moro Ibrahim, held his nerve again, and dispatched the ball with precision to give Ghana a convincing win which sets up E.K Afranie for a third African U-17 Championship appearance.

Afranie has had two previous stints with the Black Starlets in 1991 and 1997, winning gold as an assistant coach in 1991 and settling for silver as the head of the technical team six years later.

Ghana takes clear lead in the final round of qualifying for next year’s African U-17 ahead of the return clash.

It was all an appropriate result for the Black Starlets as they attempt to pick one of the places at the Championship to be hosted by Algeria.

Ghana, barely a month ago edged out the Gambia to a place at the African Youth Championship after the Under-20 team, the Black Satellites beat the Young Scorpions in the final qualifier.

And a double appears insight as the Black Starlets seek to wrap up qualification in a fortnight.