Newly appointed Black Starlets head coach Stephen Frimpong Manso has pledged to critically examine Ghana’s recent struggles at the U-17 level as he aims to guide the team back to the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after three consecutive failed qualification attempts.
Speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s media team, Frimpong Manso acknowledged the challenges ahead while drawing on his past experience.
“I’ve been in that same seat before. There are a lot of things that have been happening, and on three occasions, we couldn’t qualify. We need to identify what went wrong in the past and address those issues to ensure we succeed this time,” he said.
The former defender also emphasized his determination to correct previous lapses.
“With my earlier experience, there were some things I observed. I need to make sure I address them and do things right this time around.”
The Black Starlets, two-time U-17 AFCON champions and the most successful team in the competition’s history, have not appeared on the continental stage since 2017, when they finished as runners-up. Recent setbacks, including a home elimination by Burkina Faso in the last edition, have underscored the urgency of a turnaround.
Frimpong Manso inherits a team that showed promise under former coach Laryea Kingston but failed to secure qualification. Tasked with rebuilding the squad and fostering a winning mentality, the coach is optimistic about restoring Ghana’s dominance in youth football.
His mission is clear: to return the Black Starlets to their rightful place among Africa’s elite and revive their reputation as a powerhouse in the U-17 category.
