The Ghana U17 national team signed off their CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations group campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over South Africa in Morocco on Wednesday night, but the result was not enough to secure automatic qualification to the knockout stage.
The Black Starlets delivered one of their strongest performances of the tournament, showing attacking intent and composure from the opening whistle. Ghana took control early in the match after J. Narbi converted from the penalty spot in the 8th minute to hand the West Africans the lead.
Narbi doubled Ghana’s advantage just before halftime with another successful penalty in the 42nd minute, putting the Black Starlets firmly in command heading into the break.
South Africa responded in the second half through T. Mhlongo, who pulled one back in the 65th minute to briefly raise hopes of a comeback. However, Ghana maintained their discipline and continued to threaten on the counterattack.
Appiah sealed the victory deep into stoppage time with a late goal in the 90+2 minute to complete a convincing 3-1 triumph for Ghana.
Despite the victory, Ghana’s campaign in the AFCON U-17 group stage comes to an end, as results elsewhere denied the Black Starlets a place in the next round of the continental tournament.
However, there is still hope for qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Black Starlets have advanced to the playoff stage, where they will have another opportunity to fight for a ticket to the global competition.
The result will nevertheless boost confidence within the Ghana camp after a spirited display against South Africa, with the team now shifting focus to the crucial playoff encounter.
