Black Starlets depart for Ivory Coast ahead of AFCON friendlies

Ghana’s U17 team have departed for Ivory Coast to face their counterparts in two international friendlies as part of preparations for the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Starlets left Ghana at 13:30 GMT on Sunday with a 40-man contingent made up of 25 players and 15 technical and management staff, all focused on final preparations ahead of the tournament.

Both matches will be played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, with the first fixture scheduled for Tuesday, 28 April and the second on Friday, 1 May.

The friendlies are expected to provide a strong test against the Young Elephants, offering the technical team the chance to assess player combinations, tactical discipline and match fitness under competitive conditions.

The Starlets head into the games with growing confidence following a series of preparatory matches and will be aiming to build momentum ahead of the continental showpiece in Morocco.

Ghana will face Algeria, South Africa and Senegal in the group stage.