Black Starlets head coach Kassim Ocansey has described Ghana’s 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U17 Championship as painful, insisting his side had the potential to win the encounter before being reduced to 10 men.

The Starlets’ hopes of reaching the final and securing qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations suffered a major setback in the 17th minute when defender Daniel Owusu received a straight red card for an avoidable tackle on an Ivorian striker.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Black Starlets remained competitive and created several scoring opportunities but were unable to convert them. Ivory Coast eventually secured victory through Alex Fousseni Bamba, who scored from close range in the 76th minute.

Speaking after the match, Ocansey expressed his disappointment, arguing that Ghana had been in control before the dismissal and had continued to threaten despite playing with 10 men.

“It was a game we could have won. It was a game we were controlling until the red card on the 17th minute. Even after that, we created some good chances but missed them. And considering the time Ivory coast scored, it’s really painful.”

The Black Starlets came close to finding an equaliser in the closing stages, with David Kwarteng narrowly missing the target after controlling a pass from Prince Apam. However, Ghana could not find a way past the Ivorian defence.

The defeat ended Ghana’s hopes of reaching the tournament final and qualifying for the 2027 U17 AFCON in Morocco. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, advanced to the final and secured their place at the continental competition.

For Ocansey and his young side, the semi-final loss will be a bitter disappointment after an unbeaten group-stage campaign that saw Ghana record victories over Togo and Benin before drawing with hosts Burkina Faso.