Ghana’s Black Starlets have sealed qualification for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco after defeating Nigeria 2-0 in the semi-final of the WAFU Zone B Championship at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro.
The win also sets up a final against hosts Ivory Coast on Sunday, a repeat of their earlier group-stage clash, which the Ivorians won.
Goals from John Awule and Robhino Gavi Yao secured victory for the Starlets. Ghana started brightly, pressing high and creating chances, with Narbi Joseph going close before Gavi forced a fine save. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Awule finished off a flowing move. Ten minutes later, Yao curled home a stunning strike after a clever pass from Kagawa Mensah to double the lead.
Nigeria grew into the game, but goalkeeper Solomon Kwame produced two brilliant saves before halftime to preserve the advantage. Joseph twice threatened to extend the lead but was denied.
The second half saw Ghana adopt a compact shape, relying on counterattacks while Kwame remained solid, notably with an 80th-minute save.
Having bounced back from a slow start, Prosper Ogum’s side are now one win away from lifting the WAFU B title.
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