The Black Starlets’ hopes of qualifying for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco have been dashed by West African neighbours Ivory Coast at the ongoing 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship.

Ghana suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Ivorians in the semi-finals of the championship on Tuesday, October 20.

Despite playing with 10 men from the 17th minute after defender Daniel Owusu received a straight red card, the Black Starlets showed resilience and remained competitive throughout the encounter at the 4th August Stadium in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

They created a few decent scoring opportunities despite their numerical disadvantage, but Kassim Ocansey’s side failed to convert them.

In the 76th minute, Ivory Coast eventually broke the deadlock through Alex Fousseni Bamba, who fired home from close range to secure the decisive victory for his side.

The defeat ends the Black Starlets’ hopes of reaching the final and securing qualification for the 2027 U-17 AFCON.

Ghana will now shift their attention to the third-place playoff against the loser of the Niger-Burkina Faso clash.

The Black Starlets had an unbeaten group-stage campaign, recording victories over Togo and Benin before drawing with hosts Burkina Faso.

Meanwhile, the winner of the Niger-Burkina Faso clash will join Ivory Coast in the final and secure WAFU Zone B’s other representative slot at next year’s AFCON.