WAFU B U17: Ocansey targets AFCON qualification and title after semi-final progress

Ghana's Black Starlets have secured their place in the semi-finals of the WAFU B U17 Championship after beating Benin 3-1, with head coach Kassim Ocansey insisting that the team remain focused on their two outstanding objectives.

The victory, achieved with one group-stage match still to play, maintains Ghana's positive start to the competition, which also serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ghana's progression to the last four marks the completion of the first of three targets set by Ocansey and his technical team before the tournament.

The coach has challenged his players to build on their progress by securing qualification for the continental competition and going on to win the WAFU B U17 Championship.

Ocansey expressed satisfaction with the team's achievement but stressed that reaching the semi-finals was only the beginning of their mission.

“Coming here, we had three targets; to qualify for the semi-final, to qualify for the AFCON by being finalists and to lift the trophy. So far, the first target of making it to the semi-final has been achieved. We have two more to chase and In Sha Allah we will achieve,” he said.

The Black Starlets will now turn their attention to their final group fixture as they seek to maintain their momentum heading into the knockout stage.

Having already booked a place in the semi-finals, Ghana can approach the remaining group match with their progress to the next round assured, while continuing preparations for the decisive stages of the tournament.

The team's immediate priority is to reach the final, which would secure qualification for the 2027 U-17 AFCON. Beyond that, Ocansey wants his players to compete for the WAFU B U17 title and finish the campaign as champions.

The 3-1 win over Benin provides Ghana with a strong platform as they pursue those ambitions, although the coach has made it clear that the squad must remain focused on the challenges ahead.

With two of their original objectives still to be achieved, the Black Starlets will be aiming to carry their group-stage form into the semi-finals and strengthen their bid for a place at the continental tournament.

Ocansey's message is clear: securing a semi-final berth is an important step, but Ghana's campaign will ultimately be judged by their ability to qualify for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and lift the WAFU B U17 Championship trophy.