Ghana’s Black Starlets have been eliminated from the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in their semi-final encounter.

The loss ends the team’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, extending Ghana’s wait for a return to the continental competition at the youth level.

Coach Kassim Mingle’s side faced an uphill task from the 18th minute when Daniel Owusu was sent off, leaving Ghana to play the remainder of the contest with ten men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Black Starlets showed determination and continued to battle for a way back into the game as they sought to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The Young Elephants, however, held on to their advantage to secure the 1-0 victory and book their place in the next stage of the competition. 

The defeat means the Black Starlets have once again failed to secure qualification for the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.