I'm impressed with Black Starlets performance - George Afriyie

Vice president of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie gas averred his satisfaction about the performance of the Black Starlets.

The Starlets were defeated by 1:0 by Mali in the ground finale of the U-17 Youth Championship held in Gabon.

The team was aiming to go one better than the class of 2005 in Gambia but the title proved elusive once again as an excellent Mali side controlled and dominated the final to ensure a successful defence.

The only goal of the game was scored by Mamadou Samake in the 21st minute as he pounced on a rebound from a penalty.

Mali had a chance to double their lead in the 33rd minute from the penalty spot but the Ghana keeper saved the effort.

Despite the team's failure to win the ultimate, the astute football administrator says he satisfied with the performance of Paa Kwesi Fabin's boys.

"I don't understand why people are criticizing the Black Starlets for failing to win the ultimate." He told Radio Gold.

"When the tournament was about to kick off I said these players are the next generation for the National U-20 team and they proved it during the tournament. We should support them because this is what we have as the future players for the country.

"The technical team did a good job by unearthing talents for the country and personally I am satisfied with the players performance". He added.

The Black Starlets have qualified for the U-17 world cup which comes off later October this year in India.