I believe they will go to the AFCON and make us proud – Kurt Okraku backs Black Starlets

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has thrown his full weight behind the Black Starlets as the team prepares for their first U17 Africa Cup of Nations appearance in eight years.

Speaking in an interview with the GFA Media team, Okraku expressed confidence in the current crop of players coached by Prosper Narteh Ogum, who have been in camp since the start of the year intensifying preparations for the tournament in Morocco.

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

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

Okraku emphasized Ghana's standing in African youth football while making clear the primary objective.

"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 U17 AFCON is scheduled for April in Morocco, with Ghana aiming to make a strong impression on their return and secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.