Black Starlets winger Apam Prince has declared that Ghana are determined to defeat Benin in Tuesday’s crucial Group A encounter at the ongoing 2026 WAFU Zone B U17 Championship, insisting that the team is yet to unleash its full potential in the competition.
Ghana will face Benin at the Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, knowing that victory will guarantee them automatic qualification to the semi-finals of the tournament, which serves as a qualifying competition for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Starlets began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Togo, securing three valuable points to take an early advantage in Group A. Benin, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a goalless draw against hosts Burkina Faso and will be eager to improve their position.
Despite Ghana’s winning start, Apam believes the team has more to offer and has challenged their opponents to prepare for a stronger performance from the young Ghanaian side.
“We’re little lions in this competition and we are yet to roar. We are determined to conquer any team that comes our way. We are in for nothing but a win against Benin tomorrow.”
Apam Prince, Black Starlets winger
The winger, who is a student of the Ghana Football Association’s Elite Academy in Bolgatanga, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome the challenge posed by Benin as the Black Starlets pursue their ambition of reaching the latter stages of the competition.
His comments reflect the determination within the Ghanaian camp to build on the opening victory and avoid leaving their qualification hopes to the outcome of their final group fixture.
With three points already secured, Ghana have an opportunity to strengthen their position in the group and move closer to their ultimate objective of qualifying for the 2027 continental youth tournament.
Apam’s Confidence Meets a Crucial Qualification Test
Tuesday’s encounter presents Ghana with an opportunity to turn their promising start into a confirmed place in the semi-finals. A victory would take the Black Starlets to six points and guarantee progression from Group A, allowing them to approach the remainder of the competition with greater confidence.
However, Benin are expected to provide a stern test, having demonstrated defensive resilience in holding tournament hosts Burkina Faso to a goalless draw in their opening match.
The Cheetahs will also understand the importance of collecting points against Ghana to keep their qualification ambitions alive, setting up a potentially demanding contest for both teams.
Their narrow victory over Togo gives them a foundation to build on, but they will need another effective performance to overcome a Benin side eager to make its mark.
Ghana’s participation in the WAFU Zone B Championship is particularly significant because the tournament provides a pathway towards the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Progression to the semi-finals would therefore represent an important step in the team’s broader continental ambitions.
Hamza Insists Starlets Must Focus on Benin
Assistant coach of the Black Starlets Mohammed Hamza echoed Apam’s determination, stressing that the technical team respects Benin but remains firmly focused on securing the victory required to advance.
Hamza acknowledged the quality of the opposition while making it clear that Ghana would not allow their opponents’ strengths to distract them from their own objectives.
“We know they will come hard but we are focused on securing qualification to the semi-final. Benin have a very good team, we respect them but we know who we are and what we want. To be the best, you have to beat the best.”
Mohammed Hamza, Assistant coach of the Black Starlets
The assistant coach also emphasised the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the tournament, explaining that the team has already shifted its attention away from the opening victory over Togo. “We are done with Togo and getting to the semis depend on that game against Benin and we are going all out for it,” he added.
Ghana will now look to translate the confidence of their players and the determination of the technical team into another victory when they take on Benin on Tuesday.
With a semi-final place within reach, the Black Starlets know that a disciplined performance and clinical finishing could prove decisive in their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
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