Black Starlets head coach Kasim Ocansey Mingle is confident in his squad’s ability to secure qualification for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship in Burkina Faso.
The Ghana U-17 team is currently preparing for the regional tournament, which is scheduled to begin on October 10, 2026, as the technical team works to finalise the squad and build the team’s playing style.
Coach Mingle says he has been encouraged by the development of his players following an extensive scouting and screening exercise across the country.
“I have confidence in my boys and in the way they are developing. My immediate target is to qualify for the AFCON, and after that, I will fight for the ultimate prize,” he said.
The Black Starlets have played a number of friendly matches during their preparations, although Coach Mingle says the team is yet to face serious competitive opposition.
The team is also scheduled to travel to Morocco for two international friendly matches as part of their preparations before returning to Ghana to continue their build-up.
The technical team will subsequently take the squad to Bolgatanga for a short acclimatisation camp, with the coach believing the conditions there will help prepare the players for the weather they are expected to encounter in Burkina Faso.
Ghana’s opening game at the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship is scheduled for October 10, 2026, with the Black Starlets set to face Togo in Ouagadougou.
Coach Mingle insists his team will be ready for whoever they face in the competition.
“Normally, when you go into a tournament, you have to be ready to face any team that comes your way. We are ready for anyone, whether they are the host nation or not,” he added.