Ghana’s Under-17 team, the Black Starlets, have safely landed in Abidjan after departing Accra with the aircraft touching down in the Ivorian capital approximately an hour into the journey. The delegation,comprising players, coaching staff, and administrative personnel made the short trip across the border as part of a carefully orchestrated pre-tournament preparation programme.
Upon arrival, the squad was directed to Ebimpe, a suburb on the outskirts of Abidjan, where both international friendly fixtures are to be staged at the state-of-the-art Alassane Ouattara Stadium. The venue, which hosted matches during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, offers the Starlets an ideal setting to simulate tournament conditions ahead of the AFCON.
The two-legged friendly series, pencilled in for April 27 and April 30, presents the Black Starlets with an invaluable opportunity to measure themselves against one of Africa’s most competitive junior football nations on home soil. Côte d’Ivoire’s Under-17 team commonly known as the Young Elephants are renowned on the continent and are expected to provide a stern test and technical quality for the Black Starlets.
With the squad now settled into their Abidjan base, the technical staff’s attention turns to structured training sessions and tactical approach to the game.
Coaching staff will utilise the days between fixtures to analyse Ivorian patterns of play and make the necessary adjustments to shape the team’s approach before each encounter.
The dual-match format also offers a wider pool of players the chance to stake their claim for starting berths in the forthcoming CAF U-17 AFCON
The friendlies form a critical component of Ghana’s broader roadmap to the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Black Starlets will be represent the country.
Quick Facts
Opponents: Ivory Coast U-17 (Young Elephants)
Fixture Dates: April 27 & April 30, 2026
Venue: Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe
Tournament Target: U-17 Africa Cup of Nations
Source: GFA