U-17 AFCON: Black Starlets Touch Down in Côte d’Ivoire for Crucial Friendly Double-Header

The Ghana U-17 national team, the Black Starlets, have arrived in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of two high-profile international friendlies against the Young Elephants as preparations intensify for the upcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The two matches are expected to serve as an important part of Ghana’s final build-up to the continental tournament, giving the technical team a valuable opportunity to assess the squad in a competitive environment.

Set to be played at the impressive Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé, the first encounter is scheduled for Monday, 27 April, with the return fixture taking place on Thursday, 30 April.

The friendly double-header offers more than just match practice. It will allow the coaching staff to fine-tune tactics, test player combinations, evaluate fitness levels and measure the team’s readiness against one of West Africa’s strongest youth sides.

The Black Starlets head into the fixtures in confident mood after a productive run of preparatory matches in recent weeks. There is growing belief within the camp that the team is steadily finding the rhythm and balance needed to compete strongly in Morocco.

For the players, the games also represent a chance to impress and stake their claim for a place in the final tournament squad, while for the coaches it is another key step in shaping a side capable of challenging for honours.

With a demanding group-stage campaign awaiting them at the U-17 AFCON, Ghana will be eager to use the Côte d’Ivoire tests to sharpen every aspect of their game and build momentum before the competition begins.

Supporters back home will be hoping the Black Starlets can carry their rich tradition in youth football into another memorable campaign on the continental stage.

About The Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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