Ghana’s Black Starlets made a strong start to their two-match international friendly series in Morocco after defeating the host nation’s Under-17 side 2-0 in Rabat.
The game was played at the King Mohammed VI Football Complex, where Ghana produced a disciplined performance to secure an encouraging result ahead of the upcoming WAFU Zone B U17 Championship.
The friendly is part of Ghana’s preparations for the regional competition, which will also serve as a qualifying tournament for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Hope Agbasi puts Ghana ahead
Both teams started the encounter with attacking intent, creating an open contest during the early stages.
Ghana eventually broke the deadlock in the 24th minute.
Yaw Acheampong provided the assist with a well-delivered cross, allowing Hope Agbasi to finish the move and give the Black Starlets a 1-0 advantage.
The goal gave Ghana greater confidence, and the West African side continued to create opportunities before the interval.
Alidu Issah and Acheampong both came close to adding another goal, but Morocco’s goalkeeper prevented the visitors from extending their lead before half-time.
Ghana therefore entered the break with a narrow one-goal advantage.
Alidu Issah doubles Ghana’s lead
The Black Starlets increased their advantage shortly after the restart.
Acheampong produced another important contribution when he took on his marker inside the Moroccan penalty area before being brought down.
The referee awarded Ghana a penalty, giving the visitors an opportunity to establish greater control of the match.
Issah stepped forward and converted the spot-kick confidently to make it 2-0.
The second goal put Ghana in a comfortable position and forced Morocco to chase the game.
Black Starlets search for third goal
Rather than sitting back after going two goals ahead, Ghana continued looking for opportunities to increase the margin.
Substitute Gavi Robinho nearly found a third goal with a long-range attempt, but his effort went over the crossbar.
Another substitute, Nii Odoi Tawiah, also came close after reacting quickly to a rebound. His attempt, however, was blocked by a Moroccan defender and went out for a corner.
Morocco were unable to find a response as Ghana maintained their advantage until the final whistle.
Positive start for Coach Kassim Mingle
The victory gives head coach Kassim Mingle and his technical team an encouraging result as preparations for the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship continue.
The two friendlies against Morocco are designed to help the coaching staff assess the players, identify areas that require improvement and make final adjustments before the competitive tournament begins.
The upcoming WAFU competition is particularly important because it will determine qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
For Ghana, the Morocco fixtures therefore provide an opportunity to test the squad against strong opposition before the regional championship.
Ghana and Morocco to meet again
The Black Starlets are scheduled to face Morocco’s U17 team again in the second friendly.
The return encounter is set to take place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the King Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.
Ghana will hope to build on the first victory and use the second match to further assess the squad.
The 2-0 result gives the Black Starlets an early boost, but the technical team will have another opportunity to test its players before the more competitive WAFU Zone B assignment.
For Nigerian and African football followers, the performance will also be worth watching as Ghana continues its preparations for another important age-grade campaign on the continent.
