The former WAFA tactician believes that their upcoming friendlies against their west African counterparts would provide his side the needed advantage in facing their group phase opponents in the forthcoming continental juvenile showpiece next month
Ghana Under-17 head coach Prosper Ogum says the Black Starlets double-header friendlies against the Young Elephants would give his team the ''real competitive edge'' over their group stage competitors in the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament slated for May 13 to June 2, 2026 in Morocco.
The two-time African champions have touched down in Abidjan to face their neighbouring tough customers at the youth level in a two-legged international ties at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, with the games scheduled for April 27 and 30 respectively.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the clashes, the former Asante Kotoko manager has told Ghanafa.org: ''These matches are very important for us at this stage of our preparation.
“We need strong opposition to properly assess the team and make the right adjustments before the tournament. Playing Ivory Coast away gives us a real competitive edge. It will test our mentality, our structure, and our ability to cope under pressure," he added.
Having been pitted against Senegal, South Africa and Algeria in Group D, the Starlets will open their campaign against Algeria on May 14 at 19:00 GMT before slugging it out against Senegal on May 17 at 16:00 GMT for their second group phase encounters. They will then wrap-up their group fixtures against South Africa on May 20 at 19:00 GMT.
