The Black Starlets continued their preparations for continental competition with a hard-fought victory over Division One League side Port City in a warm-up encounter played ahead of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Team captain Joseph Narbi made the difference early in the game, finishing off a swift attacking move with composure to register the only goal of the match. His calm effort inside the opening minutes gave the Starlets an advantage they managed carefully until the final whistle.
Port City, who currently lead Zone 3 of the Division One League, responded positively after conceding. They maintained a strong tempo, applied consistent pressure, and displayed solid organisation, pushing the young national side to remain disciplined defensively throughout the contest.
The fixture is part of Ghana’s structured build-up to the 2026 U-17 AFCON, which will be hosted in Morocco in April. The technical team has prioritised competitive friendly matches to improve sharpness, assess tactical awareness, and monitor individual performances ahead of squad selection.
The Starlets are scheduled to play another friendly later in the day against Semper Fi, as the coaching staff continues to implement a demanding programme aimed at replicating tournament conditions. The approach is designed to test endurance levels while offering equal opportunities to players across the squad.
Head coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum explained that arranging multiple games within a short period allows the technical team to evaluate player readiness while ensuring balanced fitness levels as preparations reach an advanced stage.