The Black Starlets of Ghana kept their hopes of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup alive after recording a crucial 3-1 victory over South Africa at the ongoing 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The decisive Group D encounter carried significant pressure for the Black Starlets, who entered the match needing at least a draw after opening their campaign with a 2-2 stalemate against Algeria and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal.
Ghana rose to the occasion with an impressive performance, taking control of the game early on through captain Joseph Narbi. The skipper opened the scoring from the penalty spot with a composed low strike that beat the South African goalkeeper.
Narbi doubled Ghana’s advantage just before the halftime break, once again showing composure from 12 yards as he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give the Black Starlets a comfortable 2-0 lead.
South Africa attempted a comeback after recess, with Obama Mhlongo finding the back of the net to reduce the deficit and inject fresh belief into the Amajitas camp.
However, their hopes suffered a major blow shortly afterwards when they were reduced to ten men.
The numerical advantage proved decisive for Ghana, who continued to press for a third goal. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Augustine Appiah capitalised on a defensive lapse and drilled home a low effort to seal an important 3-1 victory.
Despite the commanding result, the Black Starlets finished third in Group D behind leaders Senegal and second-placed Algeria.
Nevertheless, Ghana’s World Cup dream remains alive through the newly introduced playoff system.
The Black Starlets will now face the Uganda Cubs in a high-stakes playoff, with the winner securing a place at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup and joining Africa’s representatives at the global showpiece.
The encounter is expected to carry added intrigue as Ghana take on a Uganda side coached by former Ghana international Laryea Kingston.
