Referees Abdul Lateef Adaari and Emmanuel Dolagbanu, both hailing from Ghana, have been selected to officiate matches at the upcoming WAFU Zone B U-17 Cup of Nations set to take place in Accra.
This confirmation comes directly from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), signifying the recognition of their expertise and experience in officiating football matches.
According to a statement released by the Ghana FA on Tuesday, Abdul Lateef Adaari will serve as the center referee, while Emmanuel Dolagbanu will assume the role of assistant referee during the tournament. Their inclusion in the officiating team underscores Ghana's commitment to contributing to the successful organization of the biennial competition.
Scheduled to run from Wednesday, May 15 to Wednesday, May 29, 2024, this year's WAFU Zone B U-17 Cup of Nations promises to be an exciting showcase of youth football talent in the region. Accra will serve as the host city for the tournament, welcoming teams from various countries including defending champions Nigeria, Cote D'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, and Niger.
The participation of Ghanaian referees Adaari and Dolagbanu reflects the country's dedication to promoting excellence in refereeing within the region. By contributing their expertise to officiate matches at the tournament, they not only represent Ghana but also uphold the standards of fair play and professionalism expected at such prestigious events.
Meanwhile, the Ghana U17 team, fondly known as the Black Starlets, is diligently preparing for the upcoming tournament. Currently, the team is in Russia participating in a four-nation tournament as part of their rigorous preparations. This exposure to international competition will undoubtedly enhance their skills and readiness to compete at the WAFU Zone B U-17 Cup of Nations.
The Black Starlets' participation in the four-nation tournament underscores their commitment to fine-tuning their abilities and strategies ahead of the prestigious competition. Under the guidance of their coaching staff, the team is focused on achieving success and making Ghana proud on the continental stage.
As the host nation, Ghana has a unique opportunity to showcase its hospitality and organizational prowess during the WAFU Zone B U-17 Cup of Nations. The successful execution of the tournament will not only elevate the country's stature in the footballing community but also provide a platform for young talents to shine and potentially advance to higher levels of the sport.
With talented referees like Abdul Lateef Adaari and Emmanuel Dolagbanu overseeing the matches, the WAFU Zone B U-17 Cup of Nations is poised to be a well-officiated and competitive event. Their professionalism and dedication to the game will ensure that fair play prevails throughout the tournament, contributing to its overall success and reputation.

