Ghana’s Black Starlets have secured qualification for the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship after recording a 3-1 victory over Benin in their second Group A match in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The win gives the young Ghanaian side six points from their opening two matches and confirms their progression to the last four with a group game still to play.
Striker Issah Alidu was the standout performer, scoring twice in the opening eight minutes to put Ghana in a commanding position.
Alidu opened the scoring just four minutes into the encounter before finding the net again four minutes later, giving coach Kassim Ocansey’s side a two-goal advantage.
Benin, however, responded in the 31st minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and raising hopes of a comeback before the interval.
The Black Starlets needed to remain composed after the break as their opponents sought an equaliser. Ghana’s technical team made several substitutions to introduce fresh energy and help the team maintain control of the contest.
The changes helped Ghana manage the pressure and continue searching for another goal to strengthen their advantage.
Their efforts paid off in the 81st minute when Nii Tawiah Odoi scored the third goal to put the result beyond Benin’s reach.
Prince Apam played a key role in the move, turning away from his marker before setting up Tawiah, who finished clinically to seal the 3-1 victory.
The result represents another positive step for Ghana, who opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Togo. David Kwarteng scored the decisive goal in that encounter.
Having won both matches, the Black Starlets have now achieved their immediate objective of reaching the semi-finals and will approach their final group fixture against hosts Burkina Faso with qualification already secured.
The match against Burkina Faso, scheduled for Friday, October 16, will provide another opportunity for the young side to maintain their winning momentum ahead of the knockout stage.
The 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship also serves as a qualifying competition for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
With their place in the semi-finals confirmed, Ghana will be aiming to build on their strong start and continue their pursuit of the regional title.
