WAFU U17: Ghana’s Black Starlets thrash Ivory Coast 5-1 in opening game

Ghana opened the 2024 WAFU Zone B U17 Championship with a comfortable victory over neighbours the Ivory Coast.

The Black Starlets put up a dominant performance that saw them run out as 5-1 winners at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

A double from Jacob Narbi in the first half was added to second-half strikes from Godfred Srapong, Harve Gbafa and Mark Mensah as Ghana made a dream start to the tournament.

Laryea Kingston had spoken at length about his side’s preparedness for the game and said they were ready to make the country proud.

True to the coach’s words, the Black Starlets started the game against Ivory Coast on the ascendency and created several chances within the opening quarter of an hour.

They finally earned their reward in the 27^th minute when Narbi applied a fine finish to open the scoring following Mensah’s pass.

Narbi made it 2-0 in favour of Ghana late in the first half, with Ghana returning to finish the job in the second half following goals from Sarpong, Gbafa and Mensah, sandwiched by a consolation goal from Ivory Coast.

Kingston was impressed with what he saw from his boys and urged all Ghanaians to enjoy the moment after such a huge victory.

It’s a joy. We have to enjoy. It wasn’t an easy game. The Ivorians are not an easy side,” he said after the game.

“They made it difficult for us. We found it difficult to keep the game because of the way they play. I’m excited. Now Ghanaians have to have fun because it’s a good win against a good side.”

Meanwhile, the Black Starlets will play their next game against Benin.

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