WAFU B tournament will test Laryea Kingston’s abilities – Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has stated that the upcoming West African Football Union (WAFU) B tournament will serve as a test for Laryea Kingston, the coach of the Black Starlets.

The GFA appointed the former Ghana international earlier this year replacing Karim Zito.

The youth coach has begun positively with impressive performances but will oversee the team’s first competitive assignment under his charge in the WAFU competition.

The Ghana U17 side will trade tackles with their Ivorian counterparts in the Championship opening game on Wednesday, May 15 at the University of Ghana stadium in Legon.

Ahead of the pivotal fixture, Okraku was critical about the game’s significance when he met the team emphasising the need to give their all to boost the coach’s track record.

“It’s also a test for your coach [Layea LIngston]. It’s the first time that he’s been handed a job as national team head coach of Ghana. If you love him, show it on the pitch for him. If you want people to be happy with your coach, do as he has taught you and let’s get the victory for him.”

• We are ready for WAFU championship – Coach Laryea Kingston

“We are all looking up to you. Myself, the coach and his backroom staff and all Ghanaians. It means we have to be focused, stay with each other with one target of qualifying. We can do the do tomorrow if we stay together and play according to the plan, and like I said I am not in doubt about your ability to conquer.” he said.

Black Starlets coach Laryea Kingston has released his squad for the U17 WAFU Zone B Championship #3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/fV4m7fetWd

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) May 14, 2024

A string of undefeated matches has elevated the hosts’ aspirations of qualifying for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time since 2017.

Their preparations reached a new level when they competed in a UEFA U16 tournament in Russia last month, suffering a defeat to the host nation but convincingly defeating Kazakhstan and Serbia.

The match will commence at 2:00 pm local time, with Ghana’s subsequent game against Benin slated for Tuesday.