Ghana’s Black Starlets got off to a flying start in the 2024 U-17 WAFU Zone B Championship, recording a 5-1 victory over Ivory Coast.
A brace from Joseph Narbi, a dink by Godfred Sarpong, a header by Harve Gbafa and a better by Mark Kagawa Mensah gave Ghanaians something to smile about.
The hosts struggled for the first 20 minutes, with the Ivorians forcing goalkeeper Michael Armah into making important saves. Laryea Kingston’s side eventually gained some control and made it count in the 27th minute.
Joseph Narbi latched on to a delightful chip from Mark Kagawa Mensah and volleyed it past Christ Kouassi.
15 minutes later, Narbi unleashed a rocket from the edge of the area to make it 2-0.
Ivory Coast had some opportunities in the second half, but it would be the Starlets to score again. Godfred Sarpong got on the end of a 15-passing sequence to chip the ball over Kouassi and into the net.
Although the Ivorians managed to pull one back, Herve Gbafa restored the three-goal cushion with a header from a corner kick seven minutes before the hour mark.
Just before the final whistle, Kagawa Mensah curled one in to make it 5-1.
Laryea Kingston’s side are top of Group A and a victory against Benin will ensure a place in the semis.
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