Ghana U17 vs South Africa: Black Starlets face must-win AFCON clash

Ghana will face South Africa in a decisive Group D encounter at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as the Black Starlets fight to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum supervised the team’s final training session on Tuesday evening, with the technical team focusing on tactical drills, finishing exercises, defensive shape and set-piece routines ahead of the crucial fixture.

The Black Starlets head into the match under pressure after collecting just one point from their opening two matches. Ghana began the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Algeria before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal.

Victory against South Africa would significantly improve Ghana’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage and remaining in contention for a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The atmosphere in camp has remained positive despite the difficult start to the tournament, with players showing determination and intensity during preparations for the encounter.

Ogum and his technical staff are expected to place emphasis on discipline, composure and attacking efficiency against a South African side also battling for qualification from the group.

Ghana received a further boost ahead of the game after all players trained fully with no injury concerns reported in camp.

The squad also received encouragement from Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku and former Ghana midfielder Bernard Yao Kumordzi before the important showdown.

The Black Starlets will now hope to produce a strong display and revive their campaign at the continental championship in Morocco.