ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST — Ghana’s U-17 national team, the Black Starlets, have arrived in Abidjan for a high-profile two-match friendly series against Côte d’Ivoire’s Young Elephants as part of their final preparations for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The fixtures, scheduled to take place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, are designed to test Ghana’s readiness against strong regional opposition ahead of the continental tournament.
The first match is set for Tuesday, April 28, while the second encounter will be played on Friday, May 1, giving both teams a short but intense assessment window before major international competition begins.
The Black Starlets’ technical team, led by head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum, is using the double-header to evaluate tactical discipline, player performance, and overall team chemistry following a series of domestic warm-up matches in Accra.
The coaching staff believes that facing a physically strong and tactically disciplined Ivorian side will provide a clearer picture of the squad’s readiness for elite competition at youth level.
The upcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to run from May 13 to June 2, 2026 in Morocco, represents Ghana’s next major challenge, with expectations high for a strong performance on the continental stage.
Ghana has been drawn into a highly competitive group that includes Senegal, Algeria, and South Africa, a lineup widely described by analysts as one of the toughest in the tournament.
The friendly matches against Côte d’Ivoire also carry added significance due to recent history between both sides, with the Black Starlets finishing as runners-up to the Young Elephants in the 2025 WAFU Zone B Championship.
That result has intensified the rivalry, giving Ghana an opportunity to measure progress and potentially reverse their previous defeat against their West African opponents.
Coaching officials are expected to rotate players across both matches to assess depth within the 25-man squad, ensuring that the final tournament selection is based on form, fitness, and tactical adaptability.
The fixtures are also being viewed as a key psychological test, with emphasis placed on handling pressure in an away environment against a physically demanding side.
Fans in Ghana are closely watching the team’s preparation, hoping the double-header will sharpen performance levels and build momentum ahead of the continental tournament.
As kickoff approaches, attention will focus on whether the Black Starlets can translate their preparation into strong results and establish themselves as serious contenders for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
