Prosper Narteh Ogum has challenged his Black Starlets squad to embrace Ghana’s rich legacy in youth football while forging their own identity at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.
The Ghana coach highlighted the nation’s proud history at youth level, reminding his players that they are custodians of a tradition built on excellence. However, he was quick to stress the importance of self-expression, urging the current generation to carve out its own success story rather than live solely in the shadows of past triumphs.
Reflecting on their recent WAFU B campaign, Ogum pointed to several positives that have shaped the team’s development. He praised the players’ character, discipline and consistency, noting their ability to perform under pressure, both offensively and defensively. Although the team fell short in the final after a penalty shootout, he described the experience as a crucial learning curve.
The lessons from that setback, particularly in areas such as concentration and game management, have been central to their preparations for Morocco. Ogum believes those experiences have strengthened the squad mentally and tactically, equipping them for the demands of tournament football.
Looking ahead to the clash with Algeria, the coach anticipates a tightly contested encounter between two well-drilled sides. He insists that focus, discipline and composure will be decisive, as the Black Starlets aim to open their campaign on a strong and confident note.
