The Black Starlets of Ghana are off to a very good start in the just-started WAFU Zone B U-17 tournament after humbling neighbours Ivory Coast by an emphatic 5-1 in the opening game at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Coach Laryea Kingston named a strong line up that included skipper Benjamin Tsivanyo, Joseph Narbi, Izdeen Mohammed, Abdulai Nortey, goalkeeper Michael Armah and others, for the game as he aimed at nothing but a perfect start.
The opening twenty minutes was somehow a balanced game with both teams looking very calm and relaxed as they look to definitely study each other's game approach.
However, Benab FC forward Joseph Narbi opened the scoring account on the 27th minute with a cool finish after a beautiful team build up.
With three minutes to half time, Joseph Narbi scored once again to secure his brace and give Ghana a two-goal lead heading into the break.
Just two minutes into the second half, Godfred Sarpong scored with a beautiful dink to give Ghana a three-goal cushion before the Ivorians pulled one back two minutes later.
The Young Elephants didn't look bad but just couldn't match the quality of the two-time world champions.
On the 53rd minute, Ghana restored their three-goal lead thanks to another good goal from center-back Gbafa Harve who connected with a towering header from a corner kick.
With the Ivorians having what could be their second of the day disallowed, Mark Kagawa Mensah scored in the dying embers to extend the lead to 5-1 and that's how it finished after full time.
The Black Starlets after a perfect start to the competition will now face Benin on Tuesday, May 21, in their second and final group game.
