Black Starlets of Ghana
The Black Starlets of Ghana might participate in the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year, according to a report by Africasoccer.com.
This development follows FIFA's announcement to expand the U-17 World Cup from 24 to 48 teams.
In response, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also decided to enlarge the U-17 AFCON tournament.
CAF will make the official decision during the Executive Committee's virtual meeting on Friday, June 21, 2024.
The expansion aims to provide more opportunities for young African players to showcase their talents and compete at a higher level.
Ghana missed out on qualifying for the U-17 AFCON after a 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the 2024 WAFU Zone B Africa Cup of Nations semifinal. This loss prompted Laryea Kingston to unexpectedly resign as head coach.
In the subsequent 3rd and 4th place match, the Black Starlets were defeated by Nigeria, finishing in 4th place.
By aligning with FIFA's vision, CAF is demonstrating its commitment to youth football development. This move not only benefits African football but also contributes to the global growth of the sport.
The decision to expand the U-17 AFCON represents a significant step forward for African football.
Ghana, who have not been at the U-17 AFCON tournament since 2019, will hope to leave a mark when they make an appearance at the tournament that will be hosted in Ivory Coast next year.
