The national U17 boys, the Black Starlet, will face Ivory Coast in the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U17 Championship after the Ivorians secured second place in Group B following a 1-1 draw against Nigeria on Saturday.

The West African rivals will lock horns in the first semi-final on Tuesday at 16:00 GMT, with a place in the final and qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco at stake.

Ivory Coast finished second behind Niger in Group B to set up a crucial showdown with Ghana, who topped Group A after an unbeaten run in the group stage.

Coach Kassim Ocansey’s side collected seven points from three matches, recording victories over Togo and Benin before playing out a goalless draw against hosts Burkina Faso in their final group fixture. The Black Starlets scored four goals and conceded just one to finish at the summit of their group.

Ghana will now be aiming to maintain their unbeaten record against the Ivorians and secure a place at the continental tournament in Morocco. The team will also be determined to reach the final as they continue their quest for the WAFU Zone B U17 title.

However, Ivory Coast will pose a stern test for the Black Starlets, with both teams aware that victory will guarantee their participation in the 2027 U17 AFCON, while the losing side will miss out on qualification through the tournament.

The semi-final therefore presents a defining moment for Ghana’s campaign. Ocansey and his players will be hoping to deliver a strong performance on Tuesday, preserve their unbeaten run and book their ticket to Morocco before turning their attention to the championship final.

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