In the opening match of the WAFU Zone B under-17 Championship, the Black Starlets of Ghana defeated Cote d’Ivoire, their counterpart from West Africa, 5-1 at the UG Sports Stadium.
Ghanaians had reason to celebrate thanks to a brace from Joseph Narbi, a dink by Godfred Sarpong, a header by Harve Gbafa, and a belter from Mark Kagawa Mensah.
During the first twenty minutes of play, the Ivorians dominated and forced goalkeeper Michael Armah to make crucial saves. Laryea Kingston’s side eventually gained some control and made it count in the 27th minute.
After volleying past Christ Kouassi, Joseph Narbi scored from the edge of the area to double the lead. Ivory Coast missed chances in the second half, but the Starlets scored again with Godfred Sarpong’s 15-passing sequence, chipping the ball over Kouassi.
Herve Gbafa restored the three-goal lead seven minutes before the hour mark with a header from a corner kick, despite the Ivorians managing to pull one back.
Just before play ended, Kagawa Mensah scored a goal to make the score 5-1. The team led by Laryea Kingston will ensure a trip to the semifinals with a victory over Benin. Right now, they are seated first in Group A.
On Tuesday night at the University of Ghana sports stadium, Ghana will play Benin.
Ghana last participated in the African U17 Youth Championship in 2017, so they are hoping to use this competition to their advantage and return to the competition, which has eluded them for the previous seven years.
