Ghana’s Black Starlets turned on the style in Yamoussoukro, powering past Niger 3-1 in their final Group A clash to storm into the semi-finals of the WAFU U17 AFCON Qualifiers.
Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum’s reshuffle made the difference.
He recalled Gabriel Denyinah from suspension and handed starts to Mark Kagawa Mensah, Augustine Appiah, Hakeem Kasim and Mujahid Osman.
The new energy injected purpose, and Ghana set the tone from kick-off.
It took only two minutes for Robinho Yao Gavi to put the Starlets in front with a crisp finish after a flowing move.
But Niger struck back quickly as Ismael Younoussa Arbi punished slack defending to level matters. The sides went into the break locked at 1-1, both chasing control.
The second half was all Ghana.
They dominated possession, stretched the Nigerien backline and pressed high.
The breakthrough came when Mensah unleashed a thunderbolt from distance that left the crowd buzzing. Robinho then struck again to seal his brace and kill off the contest.
The win sends the Black Starlets into the knockout stage with momentum and confidence.
They now await their semi-final opponent from Group B, as the battle for a place in the WAFU U17 final four heats up.
