The Starlets celebrating
Ghana national under-17 football team continued their impressive preparations for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 2-0 victory over Semper Fi on Wednesday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The encounter was the team’s second match of the day, following an earlier 1-0 triumph over Zone 3 leaders Port City FC.
It also marked their fourth friendly in two weeks, highlighting the technical team’s deliberate push to build match sharpness and tactical cohesion ahead of the tournament in Morocco this April.
Ghana wasted little time in asserting control, breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute. Clement Agyei climbed highest to meet a pinpoint cross, powering home a header to give the Starlets an early advantage and set the tempo for the game.
The youngsters maintained their attacking rhythm and doubled their lead seven minutes before halftime.
Forward Gab Beng Amponsah showed composure and skill, shrugging off his marker before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to send Ghana into the break with a comfortable cushion.
Semper Fi, who occupy second place in Zone 3 of the Division One League, returned after the interval with improved defensive organisation. Their disciplined approach restricted Ghana’s attacking spaces and prevented further damage.
The Starlets came closest to adding a third when Agyei rattled the woodwork, much to the relief of the opposition bench.
The friendly forms part of an intensive build-up programme that has also seen the team test themselves against True Democracy FC and Na God FC at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence.
With confidence growing and performances sharpening, the Black Starlets appear firmly on course as they fine-tune preparations for the continental showdown.
BY Wletsu Ransford
