Black Starlets head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has outlined the team’s ultimate ambition of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, following their strong run at the ongoing WAFU B U-17 Championship in Ivory Coast.
Ogum, who previously managed Asante Kotoko, guided Ghana to a 2-0 victory over Nigeria on Tuesday night at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, a result that secured the Starlets a place in the tournament final. The win also guaranteed Ghana’s return to the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco next year — their first appearance since 2017.
While acknowledging the significance of reaching the continental showpiece, Ogum insists the team’s mission goes beyond just qualifying for AFCON.
“The target is to qualify for the World Cup. Qualifying for the AFCON alone is not enough; we want to go to Morocco and secure a ticket to the World Cup,” Ogum told Asempa FM.
“I believe we have the players to achieve this target because it has been a while since the Black Starlets appeared at both the AFCON and the World Cup. We will go to Morocco determined to raise Ghana’s flag high. Together with the GFA, we will work to improve the squad ahead of the tournament.”
The Starlets will now turn their attention to Friday’s final against hosts Ivory Coast, a rematch of the group stage clash that ended in a 3-0 defeat for Ghana. Ogum has promised a stronger performance this time as his side seeks redemption and the regional crown.
