Ghana’s U17 team, the Black Starlets, may still have a chance to participate in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite their early exit from the WAFU-B tournament.
The team showed promise in the WAFU championship, winning their opening matches against Ivory Coast and Benin, but losses to Burkina Faso and in the third-place playoff left them in fourth place.
In a twist of fate, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering expanding the U17 AFCON from 12 to 24 teams, which would grant Ghana automatic qualification.
This move aligns with FIFA’s decision to increase the World Cup teams from 32 to 48, giving Africa 10 slots.
The expansion would be a lifeline for Ghana and possibly Nigeria, allowing them to compete in the AFCON and vie for a World Cup spot.
This opportunity would enable the young Ghanaian talents to showcase their skills on a larger stage and continue the Black Starlets’ legacy in international football, which last participated in the AFCON in 2017.
CAF’s decision, expected at their June 21, 2024 meeting, would be a game-changer for Ghana and Nigeria, who would have otherwise missed out on the AFCON due to the initial two-slot limit for West Africa.
The potential expansion would provide a second chance for the Black Starlets to participate in the tournament and make their mark on the international stage.
