Black Starlets Welfare Manager Waisu Ali Mohammed has expressed confidence that Ghana’s U17 side will qualify from their group despite the 1-1 draw with Togo in their opening game of the WAFU Zone B U17 Boys Championship in Yamoussoukro.

The Starlets, who were reduced to ten men in the second minute following a red card to defender Gabriel Denyinah, took an early lead through skipper Joseph Narbi. Togo equalized after the break from the penalty spot, but the Ghanaian youngsters held on for a hard-earned point.

Speaking after the match, Waisu Ali praised the fighting spirit of the team. “Our boys showed incredible character and resilience,” he said. “Playing almost the entire match with ten players is never easy, but they stuck to the plan and gave a very good account of themselves.”

He added that the team remains focused on its goal of progressing to the next stage of the tournament. “We are very optimistic of qualification,” he noted. “This is only the first game, and from what we saw today, the boys are hungry and determined. We have every reason to believe we will get the needed results in our next matches.”

The Welfare Manager also urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the team. “We appreciate the massive support back home. The boys feel it, and it motivates them. We are asking everyone to keep believing in this team. We are here to make Ghana proud,” Waisu Ali said.

Ghana will face hosts Ivory Coast in their second group game on Tuesday, knowing that a win would strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the competition.

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