Ghana’s U-17 national team, the Black Starlets, have been handed a challenging yet exciting group following the official draw for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The West African side has been placed in Group D alongside continental heavyweights South Africa, Senegal, and Algeria.
The draw ceremony was conducted at the headquarters of the Confederation of African Football in Cairo, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.
Scheduled to take place in Morocco from May 13 to June 2, 2026, the competition will feature 16 of the best youth teams across the continent battling for top honors.
Ghana secured their place in the tournament after an impressive run at the 2025 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship in Ivory Coast, where they finished as runners-up.
That achievement marked a significant return for the Black Starlets, who had been absent from the continental stage since 2017. Their qualification has reignited hopes of a resurgence for one of Africa’s most storied youth teams.
The stakes for this year’s tournament are even higher, as it also serves as a qualification route to the FIFA U-17 World Cup. All eight quarter-finalists will automatically book their place at the global showpiece, while two of the best third-placed teams will also secure qualification, bringing Africa’s total representatives to ten.
Historically, Ghana has enjoyed considerable success at this level. The Black Starlets have lifted the U-17 AFCON trophy twice, in 1995 and 1999, and have finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2017. However, the team has endured a long wait for continental glory, with their last title coming over two decades ago.
Drawn into a group featuring some of Africa’s strongest youth sides, Ghana will need to be at their very best to progress.
Nevertheless, the team will be driven by a strong desire to end their trophy drought and restore the nation’s proud legacy in youth football.
As preparations intensify, all eyes will be on the Black Starlets to rise to the occasion and make a strong statement on the continental stage.
2026 U-17 AFCON Group Results:
- Group A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia
- Group B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Uganda, DR Congo
- Group C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique
- Group D: Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, Algeria
