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Black Starlets defeat Togo 1-0 in WAFU Zone B U-17 opener
•2 min read•1 source
Ghana's national U-17 football team, the Black Starlets, began their 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Togo. The match, held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, saw the Ghanaian side claim all three points in their opening fixture of Group A. This win places Ghana at the top of the group standings as they look to secure a place in the continental tournament.
The decisive moment of the encounter arrived early in the first half when David Kwarteng found the back of the net in the seventh minute. Kwarteng’s clinical finish proved to be the difference between the two West African neighbors, as the Starlets maintained their defensive discipline throughout the remainder of the match to protect their narrow lead. Despite Togo's efforts to find an equalizer, the Ghanaian defense remained resolute, ensuring a successful start to the regional competition.
This tournament serves as a crucial qualification path for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. A strong performance in the WAFU Zone B competition is essential for the Black Starlets as they aim to return to the continental stage. With three points already secured, the team's focus now shifts to their second group game against Benin, scheduled for October 13. A victory in that fixture would further solidify Ghana's position at the top of Group A and bring them closer to the knockout rounds of the championship.