On this day, August 20, 2025, Ghana celebrates the 30th anniversary of one of its proudest football achievements: The Black Starlets’ triumph at the 1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Ecuador.
That victory cemented Ghana’s place in history as the first nation to win the tournament twice, having lifted the trophy four years earlier in 1991.
The 1995 side, coached by the late Samuel Ardey, dazzled the world with a unique tactical approach Ardey dubbed the “multi-system.” Blending discipline with flair, the Starlets embodied Ghana’s creative style, entertaining yet ruthlessly effective.
The team was filled with standout performers: Awudu Issaka, nicknamed the “Disco Dancer” for his wizardry on the ball, skipper Emmanuel Bentil, Christian Saba, Patrick Allotey, Kamara Dini, and Abu Iddrisu. A young Stephen Appiah, though not a regular starter, also made his mark.
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Placed in Group A, Ghana swept past all opposition, beating Japan 1-0, stunning host nation Ecuador 2-1, and finishing the group with a comfortable 2-0 win over the United States.
Their perfect run continued into the knockout rounds, where Bentil and Atakorah Amaniampong scored to dispatch Portugal 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
In the semifinals, Ghana overcame surprise package Oman, who had eliminated holders Nigeria, with a convincing 3-1 victory courtesy of goals from Joseph Ansah, Kamara Dini, and Abu Iddrisu.
That set up a mouthwatering final against Brazil, the “Brazilians of Africa” versus the true masters of samba football.
The final in Guayaquil lived up to the billing. Baba Sule opened the scoring, and Iddrisu doubled the lead before halftime. Brazil pulled one back just after the restart, but captain Bentil restored Ghana’s cushion almost immediately.
A late goal from Marco Antonio gave Brazil hope, but Ghana held firm for a famous 3-2 victory.
Thirty years on, the memory of that golden night remains fresh. The 1995 Black Starlets were more than champions; they were a symbol of Ghana’s football artistry and a generation that inspired dreams across the continent.
✨ On This Day in 1995, History was made in Quito, Ecuador! 🇪🇨
🇬🇭 The #BlackStarlets defeated Brazil 3-2 in a thrilling final to win Ghana’s second FIFA U17 World Cup title. 🏆🌍
👀 Which players from this golden squad can you recall ? pic.twitter.com/Dsb1CTpDdH
— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) August 20, 2025
FKA/JE
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