Ghana’s Black Starlets suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in their second Group A match at the 2025 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship on Tuesday evening, putting their qualification hopes for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations at risk.
The Ivorians, playing at the Stade Charles Konan Banny, dominated from the start, with Robinho Gavi Yao breaking through Ghana’s defense to score in the 18th minute.
Despite Ghana’s push for an equalizer, Ivory Coast’s resolute backline held firm until halftime. In the second half, the Young Elephants added two more goals to seal the emphatic win, leaving the Starlets stunned.
Coming off a 1-1 draw against Togo in their opener, Ghana needed a victory to bolster their chances of advancing from the group, which also includes Niger.
The loss leaves the Black Starlets in a precarious position, with a must-win final group game against Niger on September 26 at 3:00 p.m. GMT. Ivory Coast now tops Group A with six points from two matches.
Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side will need a strong response to keep their continental dreams alive, as the top teams from the tournament qualify for the U-17 AFCON.
