U-17 AFCON: I am confident Black Starlets will do well - Nii Odartey Lamptey

Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has expressed confidence that the Black Starlets will bounce back strongly at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations despite a frustrating start to their campaign.

Ghana were held to a 2-2 draw by Algeria on Thursday at the Mohammed VI Football Academy after surrendering a two-goal lead in their opening Group D fixture.

The Black Starlets made a bright start, with Yao Gavi Robinho and Eric Adu Gyamfi both finding the net in a dominant first-half display that saw Ghana go into the break firmly in control at 2-0.

However, the momentum shifted after the interval as Algeria mounted a spirited comeback, scoring twice before the 70th minute to level the contest. The North Africans were later presented with a chance to complete the turnaround from the penalty spot, but the effort was squandered.

Speaking after the match on Asempa FM, Lamptey urged calm and insisted the team has the quality to recover from the setback.

“The Black Starlets will bounce back from this disappointing result. We have a good team, and I am confident we will do well,” he said.

Elsewhere in the group, South Africa moved to the top of the standings after defeating Senegal in the other opening fixture.

The Black Starlets will now turn their attention to a crucial second group game against Senegal on Sunday, May 17, where they will be targeting their first win of the tournament.