Sports
Black Starlets ready for Algeria test in U17 AFCON opener tonight
The Black Starlets will begin their 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign today, Thursday May 14, 2026 with a highly anticipated Group D clash against Algeria in Rabat.
Ghana heads into the tournament determined to make a strong statement after an impressive qualifying campaign in the WAFU Zone B Championship.
The Black Starlets secured qualification to the continental showpiece after finishing second in the regional tournament, narrowly losing to Ivory Coast on penalties in the final after an intense contest between the two West African rivals.
As part of preparations for the AFCON, the Black Starlets engaged in a series of international friendly matches aimed at sharpening the squad ahead of the tournament.
Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and his technical team tested the side against Ivory Coast on two occasions before concluding preparations with another competitive game against Mali in Morocco.
The technical handlers believe the preparatory matches have given the team the right exposure and tactical discipline required for the challenges ahead.
Algeria, meanwhile, also booked their place at the tournament after finishing runners-up in the North African qualifying tournament, UNAF.
The North Africans fell to hosts Morocco in their final qualifying match but demonstrated quality and resilience throughout the competition to secure qualification.
Thursday’s encounter is expected to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams eager to begin their campaign on a positive note in a difficult group.
Speaking ahead of the game, Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum expressed confidence in the readiness of his players and praised their commitment during preparations.
“The boys have prepared very well for this tournament. We have worked hard over the past few weeks, played competitive friendly matches, and I believe the team is mentally and tactically ready for the Algeria game,” he said.
Dr. Ogum acknowledged the quality of the Algerian side but insisted his players are fully focused on executing their game plan.
“Algeria is a good side and qualifying from the North African zone is never easy. We respect them, but we are also confident in our own abilities. The players understand what is at stake and they are eager to make Ghana proud.”
He also emphasized the importance of a strong start to the tournament.
“Opening games are always very important in competitions like this. A positive result can give you confidence and momentum, so we are going into the match with determination and belief.”
The Black Starlets have looked sharp in training since arriving in Rabat, with all players available for selection and no injury concerns reported by the technical team.
Ghana will be aiming not only for success at the AFCON but also qualification to the FIFA U17 World Cup later this year, making every group stage game crucial in their quest for continental glory.
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has been named on the official eight-man shortlist for the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season award.
The Ghana international is nominated alongside his City teammate Erling Haaland, Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal trio Gabriel Magalhães, David Raya, and Declan Rice, Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, and Brentford striker Igor Thiago.
A season of high-profile excellence, Semenyo earns his spot on the prestigious shortlist following a stunning breakthrough year where he registered 16 goals and four assists in 35 Premier League appearances.
The 26-year-old split his highly productive campaign between two clubs, starting the season in electric form for AFC Bournemouth before securing a high-profile £64 million transfer to Manchester City in January 2026.
The versatile attacker adapted instantly to life under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
He won the February EA SPORTS Player of the Month award after netting three goals in his first five games for City, and most recently opened the scoring in a 3-0 midweek victory over Crystal Palace.
Elite Competition for the Top PrizeThe Premier League confirmed that the winner will be decided by combining a public fan vote with the choices of an expert football panel.
Semenyo faces incredibly stiff competition from the other seven nominees who have dominated the 2025/26 landscape:
Tanzanian referee Ahmed Ally Arajiga has been appointed to officiate the Group D encounter between Ghana and Algeria at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The highly anticipated clash is scheduled to take place at 19:00 GMT in Rabat as both teams begin their campaign in the continental championship.
Arajiga will be assisted by fellow Tanzanian Serif Mpanga Kassim, who will serve as Assistant Referee One, while Brianson Musisi of Uganda takes up the role of Assistant Referee Two.
The fourth official for the game will be Hillary Hambaba, with Yassine Saadaoui of Tunisia serving as the reserve assistant referee.
CAF has also named Justin Mumba of Zambia as the match commissioner for the encounter, while Paulin Samuel has been appointed referees assessor.
The General Coordinator for the match will be Abdelmoughit Rhrzzali of Morocco. Mark Anthony Fish will head the Technical Study Group, while Bassma Chehbane will serve as the Commercial Officer.
Media duties for the game will be handled by Amine Benmellouk, while Sidiki Boubakary will also assist in media operations.
Security arrangements for the fixture will be overseen by Abdelali Hammouti, with Ahmed Khatib acting as assistant coordinator. The medical officer for the game will also be under CAF’s designated operational team.
The Black Starlets head into the game determined to make a strong start to their AFCON campaign after weeks of intensive preparations in Morocco under Head Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum.
