Ghana’s Black Starlets are ramping up their quest for continental glory with a high-stakes double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, 18 February.
As the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in April looms, head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum is leaving nothing to chance.
The national side will test their mettle against two Division One League opponents in a four-hour footballing marathon designed to push the squad to its limits.
The action kicks off at 08:00 GMT, with the Starlets scheduled to face Port City FC and Koforidua Semper Fi back-to-back.
These fixtures are less about the final scoreline and more about match realism. Coach Ogum and his technical staff intend to rotate the entire squad across the two games, allowing them to evaluate fitness levels under exhausting morning conditions, assess tactical adaptability against older opposition, and finalise the selection for the upcoming tournament.
The Starlets arrive at the Accra Sports Stadium with the wind in their sails following a string of high-scoring victories.
Recent outings saw the youngsters edge out Na God FC in a 3-2 thriller, followed by a chaotic 4-3 win over True Democracy FC.
While the team’s attacking fluidity has delighted fans and scouts alike, the seven goals conceded in just two matches have highlighted a clear area for improvement. Wednesday’s double-header, running until 12:00 noon, will provide a crucial litmus test for a backline looking to tighten up before the trip to the AFCON finals.
With the final squad selection fast approaching, every minute on the pitch counts. For the players, it is the penultimate chance to prove they deserve to wear the Black Star on the grandest stage in African youth football.
