Ghana’s U17 national team, the Black Starlets, kept their hopes of qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup alive with a crucial 3–1 victory over South Africa at the ongoing U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The match started strongly for Ghana, with Joseph Narbi making an immediate impact. He opened the scoring from the penalty spot, finishing calmly with a low strike past the South African goalkeeper. The Black Starlets maintained pressure, and before half-time, their captain also converted another penalty, giving Ghana a solid 2–0 lead going into the break.
After the restart, South Africa responded and pulled one back through Obama Mhlongo, bringing some tension back into the game. Their situation worsened shortly after, however, when they were reduced to ten men following a red card incident.
Ghana took full advantage of the numerical superiority and sealed the win late on. Augustine Appiah scored after capitalizing on a defensive mistake, driving a low shot into the net to make it 3–1.
Despite the important victory, Ghana finished third in Group D, behind Senegal and Algeria. Augustine Appiah’s late goal ensured a strong finish, but the team now depends on a draw of lots alongside Algeria to determine their final fate in the competition.
The result keeps hopes alive for the Black Starlets, who are still pushing for a return to the global stage at youth level.
