The Black Starlets of Ghana will take on Ivory Coast in the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U17 Championship on Tuesday, with a place in the final and qualification for the 2027 Africa U17 Cup of Nations at stake.

The match is scheduled for 16:00 GMT at the 4th August Stadium in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, with the winner securing a ticket to the continental tournament in Morocco.

Ghana head into the encounter unbeaten after an impressive group-stage campaign, finishing top of Group A with seven points from three matches.

The Black Starlets opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Togo before beating Benin 3-1. They then played out a goalless draw against hosts Burkina Faso to maintain their unbeaten record.

Head coach Kassim Ocansey and his technical team have been preparing the side for the decisive encounter, with the former Nations FC coach expressing confidence in his players’ readiness.

Ocansey said preparations had gone well and revealed that his technical team had closely studied the Ivorians ahead of the semi-final.

He has also stressed the importance of the match, suggesting that it carries greater significance than the final because of the qualification place on offer.

The Ghana coach is confident his side can overcome Ivory Coast and achieve their primary objective of reaching the 2027 U17 AFCON.

Ivory Coast secured their place in the semi-finals after finishing second in Group B. The Ivorians drew 1-1 with Nigeria in their final group match to set up a meeting with Ghana.

For the Black Starlets, Tuesday’s contest represents a crucial opportunity to return to the continental stage and reaffirm Ghana’s standing in youth football.

With an unbeaten group-stage record behind them, Ocansey’s side will be eager to maintain their momentum, defeat their West African rivals and secure qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.