U-17 AFCON: Black Starlets face must-win clash against South Africa to keep World Cup hopes alive

Black Starlets media officer Sheikh Tophic has stressed the urgency of Ghana’s final Group D fixture against South Africa in the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, describing it as a decisive match for survival in the competition.

Ghana began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Algeria before suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Senegal, who played most of the match with 10 men.

The results have left Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side bottom of the group with just a single point.

Ahead of Wednesday’s encounter, Sheikh Tophic told 3Sports that nothing short of victory will be enough for the Black Starlets to keep their qualification hopes alive.

“South Africa won their game 2-1 against Senegal and lost to Algeria, so they need a point against Ghana to qualify to the next phase of the competition because the competition is such that 10 countries will represent Africa at the World Cup.

"Two of the best third-place finishers will be picked in addition to the top two in every group to make 10 to go to the World Cup. The only choice Ghana has against South Africa is to win,” he said.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT.