We belong to the elite group on the African continent – Kurt Okraku confident ahead of Black Starlets' AFCON return

Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has expressed strong belief in the Black Starlets' pedigree as the team prepares to return to the U17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in eight years.

Speaking in an interview with the GFA Media team, Okraku backed the current crop of players to make an impact at the continental tournament, which will be held in Morocco in April.

"I believe they will go to the AFCON and will make us proud," he said. "That will be a joyous moment for us again."

Okraku emphasized Ghana's standing in African youth football, insisting the nation belongs among the continent's best.

"I think that we belong to the elite group on the African continent."

The Black Starlets secured their place at the tournament through the WAFU B championship last year, ending an eight-year absence from the continental stage. Their last World Cup appearance came in 2017 in India, where they reached the quarterfinals.

While confidence is high, Okraku made it clear that the primary objective remains clear.

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

The team, under head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum, has been in camp since the start of the year intensifying preparations for the tournament. The U17 AFCON in Morocco will serve as the qualification pathway for the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.

For Okraku, the message is simple: Ghana belongs at the top, and the Black Starlets are ready to prove it.