Ghana’s U-17 national team, the Black Starlets, suffered a 2–0 defeat to Ivory Coast in the first of their two international friendly matches.
The encounter, part of preparations for the upcoming CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, saw the Ivorian side deliver a composed performance to secure victory over their West African rivals. Ghana struggled to convert their chances, while defensive lapses allowed Ivory Coast to capitalize and take control of the game.
Despite the setback, the technical team is expected to draw positives from the match as they continue to assess the squad and fine-tune tactics ahead of the continental tournament. The friendly series provides a crucial opportunity for both teams to test their readiness and build cohesion.
Ghana will have a chance to respond when the two sides meet again on April 30, 2026, in the second leg of the friendly series. The Black Starlets will be aiming for an improved display as they seek to bounce back and build momentum ahead of the tournament.
