Ghana’s Black Starlets completed the group stage of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U17 Championship unbeaten after drawing 0-0 with hosts Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.

The result secured top spot in Group A for coach Kassim Ocansey’s side, who finished with seven points from three matches. Ghana recorded two wins and a draw, ending the opening phase without defeat.

The Black Starlets opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Togo before overcoming Benin 3-1. That second win confirmed their place in the semi-finals, leaving the meeting with Burkina Faso to determine whether they would finish first or second in the group.

Although Ghana were unable to score in their final fixture, they successfully protected their unbeaten record and completed their group campaign at the top of the standings.

Their progress has been founded on a strong defensive performance. Across three matches, Ghana scored four goals and conceded only one, giving them the best overall record among the Group A teams.

The goalless draw also ensured Burkina Faso, playing on home soil, could not overtake Ghana at the conclusion of the group-stage programme. Ocansey’s team now advances to the knockout rounds having achieved its first objective of avoiding defeat and winning the group.

Ghana’s semi-final opponents will be the runners-up in Group B. Their identity will not be known until the final Group B match has been played between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

The Black Starlets will now prepare for the semi-final as they attempt to carry their group-stage form into the knockout phase. They are competing for the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship title, as well as qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

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