Black Starlets defeat Benin 3-1 to reach WAFU Zone B semifinals

Ghana’s national under-17 football team, the Black Starlets, have officially secured their place in the semifinals of the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship. The qualification follows a dominant 3-1 victory over Benin in their second Group A match, played with high intensity. This win marks the second consecutive triumph for the Starlets, ensuring they progress to the knockout stages of the regional tournament with a game to spare in the group phase.

The match saw a standout performance from Issah Alidu, who found the back of the net twice to lead the Ghanaian charge. Alidu’s clinical finishing was complemented by a strike from Nii Tawiah Odoi, who netted the third goal to consolidate the victory. The Starlets’ attacking prowess and tactical discipline on the pitch highlighted their status as strong contenders in the competition, following an equally impressive opening performance earlier in the week.

Beyond the immediate glory of the regional tournament, the WAFU Zone B Championship serves as a critical pathway for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). For Ghana, a successful campaign here is essential for securing a spot in the continental tournament. Having already booked their semifinal ticket, the technical team and players are now shifting their focus toward their final Group A fixture, which will determine their final standing in the group and their subsequent opponent in the semifinals.