First target is to qualify for the World Cup – Kurt Okraku sets clear goal for Black Starlets 

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has expressed optimism about the Black Starlets' chances at the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations while making it clear that the ultimate objective remains qualification for the World Cup.

The Black Starlets will return to the continental stage for the first time in eight years after securing their place through the WAFU B tournament played last year. Their last World Cup appearance was in 2017 in India, where the team reached the quarterfinal stage.

Speaking in an interview with the GFA Media team, Okraku backed the current crop of players to deliver while emphasising the primary goal.

"I believe they will go to the AFCON and will make us proud," Okraku said. "That will be a joyous moment for us again. I think that we belong to the elite group on the African continent."

"First [target] is to qualify to the World Cup because that is the ultimate platform."

The current setup, under the tutelage of head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum, has been in camp since the start of the year as they wrap up preparations for the tournament. The U17 AFCON is scheduled to be played in Morocco in April, with Ghana aiming to make a strong impression on their return to the continental stage.

For Okraku and the GFA, success in Morocco is measured not just by performance but by securing a ticket to the global stage.