Black Starlets Squad Named as Ghana Returns to U-17 AFCON After Nine Years
The Ghana Football Association has officially announced the 23-man squad for the Black Starlets. This squad will compete in the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco.
Head coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum has assembled a well-rounded and talented group of young players, primarily drawn from local academies and clubs. This squad marks Ghana’s return to the continental youth championship after nine years, reigniting hope and excitement.
The selected players are as follows:
Goalkeepers: Solomon Kesse, Michael Armah, John Annan.
Defenders: Mujahid Osman, Kingsley Fosu, Issah Rafiu, Essau Atsu Kpoeti, Nicholas Essuman, Jacob Etse Kpoeti, Gabriel Denyinah.
Midfielders: Isaac Barfo, Augustine Appiah, Michael Awuli, Michael Nyantakyi, Eric Adu Gyamfi, Mark Kagawa Mensah.
Forwards: Mark Aboagye, Latif Abdul Wunzalgu, Joseph Narbi, Gavi Robinho Yao, Clement Agyei, David Ofori.
Ghana have been drawn into a challenging Group D alongside defending champions Senegal, Algeria and South Africa. Their campaign begins on May 14 against Algeria followed by crucial matches against Senegal and South Africa.
Having won the U-17 AFCON twice in 1991 and 1995, Ghana enters the tournament with high hopes. The squad has spent months preparing rigorously through residential camps and regional qualifiers. Coach Ogum is expected to focus on technical skill discipline and teamwork.
A strong performance in Morocco could propel the team deep into the competition and secure their place in the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup. This would significantly bolster the future of Ghanaian youth football.
