The former WAFA tactician has talked about his side's preparations for their group phase opening fixture against their north African counterparts as he embraces himself with the daunting task ahead of the just started continental juvenile showpiece
Ghana U-17 head coach Dr. Prosper Ogum has said that he is expecting a very competitive and tactical game against Algeria in their group stage opener of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 on Thursday.
The two-time African champions will come up against the Desert Foxes for their first match of the tournament at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Park in Rabat, Morocco.
However, with qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 up for grabs, the Black Starlets must defeat their opponent in the opening clash to place themselves in a better position in group D so as to navigate their way to the knockout stages.
Reacting to the encounter, the centered self-discipline tactician has told Cafonline: ''We are expecting a very competitive and tactical game. Algeria are a good side with strong organisation both defensively and offensively. Opening matches are always difficult because every team wants to start well. We must remain disciplined, focused and clinical when opportunities come. I believe it will be a good contest between two strong teams.'
He added on his side's preparedness for the tournament: ''This team has a good balance of talent, discipline, teamwork and determination. The players understand each other very well and they are prepared to fight for one another on the pitch. Technically we have quality, tactically we are improving steadily, and mentally the players are showing maturity. These qualities give us confidence that we can compete strongly against any team in the tournament.''
The Starlets will open their group stage campaign against Algeria today (May 14, 2026 19:00 GMT), before slugging it out against Senegal on May 17, 2026 16:00 GMT for their second group phase encounters. They then wrap up their group fixtures against South Africa on May 20, 2026 19:00 GMT.
