Ghana’s U-17 team, the Black Starlets, may make a comeback to the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament next year, according to reports by Africasoccer.com.
This development comes after FIFA’s announcement to expand the U-17 World Cup from 24 to 48 teams.
In response, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to enlarge the U-17 AFCON tournament, with the official decision expected to be made during the Executive Committee’s virtual meeting on Friday, June 21, 2024.
The expansion aims to provide more opportunities for young African players to showcase their talents and compete at a higher level. Ghana missed out on qualifying for the U-17 AFCON after a defeat to Burkina Faso in the 2024 WAFU Zone B Africa Cup of Nations semifinal, prompting Laryea Kingston’s resignation as head coach.
However, with CAF’s decision to align with FIFA’s vision, Ghana will have another chance to compete at the U-17 AFCON tournament, which will be hosted in Ivory Coast next year. The Black Starlets last participated in the tournament in 2019 and will hope to make a mark when they return.
By expanding the tournament, CAF is demonstrating its commitment to youth football development, which will not only benefit African football but also contribute to the global growth of the sport.
