Black Starlets seal semi-final spot with win over Niger

Ghana’s U17 side, the Black Starlets, have booked their place in the semi-finals of the WAFU B U17 Championship after a spirited 3-1 win over Niger on Friday at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Côte d’Ivoire.

A brace from Robhino Gavi Yao and a stunning long-range strike from Kagawa Mensah powered the Starlets to the much needed victory after a shaky start to the tournament.

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Ghana had drawn their opener against Togo and lost their second match to hosts Ivory Coast, meaning only a win could secure progression to the last four.

The Starlets got off to a flying start, breaking the deadlock just two minutes in when Robhino Gavi finished off a fine team move. Niger, however, Niger responded quickly, equalising just four minutes later with a well taken strike.

Despite dominating possession, Ghana couldn’t restore their lead before halftime. After the break, the team pressed harder for a breakthrough. Gavi thought he had scored his second, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The breakthrough finally came through Kagawa Mensah, who produced a moment of magic with a sensational 40-yard strike to restore Ghana’s lead.

In stoppage time, Gavi wrapped up the win with his second of the night, making it 3-1 and sealing Ghana’s semi-final qualification.

The Black Starlets are now set to face arch-rivals Nigeria in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final clash.

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