Why the WAFU Zone B Is the perfect test for Ghanaâ??s next generation

While the primary goal for Ghana’s Black Starlets at the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship is to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the tournament offers something far more valuable: the ideal competitive environment to test and develop Ghana’s next football generation.

The structure of the competition—featuring regional rivals like hosts Ivory Coast, Togo, and Niger in Group A—provides a unique blend of stylistic challenges that mirror what players will face throughout their careers. The physicality, tactical discipline, and passionate atmospheres typical of West African derbies create the perfect crucible for young players to develop mental toughness and adaptability.

Head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum recognises the tournament’s broader developmental value: “These matches against our West African neighbors simulate the intensity and pressure these players will encounter as they progress to senior levels. It’s about more than just winning—it’s about learning to compete under tournament conditions.”

The compact schedule, with three group matches in seven days, tests not only technical and tactical abilities but also physical recovery and squad management—essential skills for players aspiring to professional careers. The requirement to perform consistently against varied opponents mirrors the demands of modern football more accurately than any friendly tournament could.

Furthermore, the regional rivalry adds an emotional dimension that cannot be replicated in training or less competitive matches. Facing hostile crowds and determined regional opponents builds the character and resilience that define successful international players.

For Ghana’s football future, this tournament represents an investment in player development that extends far beyond the immediate goal of AFCON qualification. The experience gained in Yamoussoukro could prove instrumental in producing the senior national team players of tomorrow, making the WAFU Zone B Championship the perfect testing ground for Ghana’s next generation.

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