Ghana’s U-17 national football team, the Black Starlets, has been eliminated from the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers following a 2-1 defeat against Burkina Faso in the semi-final of the WAFU Zone B Championship. This loss has ended Ghana’s hopes of participating in the U-17 AFCON, which is set to take place in Morocco next year.
The match was held at the University of Ghana Stadium on May 25, 2024. The Black Starlets were unable to secure a victory, leading to their elimination from the tournament. The team had previously showcased a strong performance in the competition, scoring 54 goals in 18 games under the leadership of Laryea Kingston.
Following the defeat, Laryea Kingston, who had been serving as the head coach of the Black Starlets since April 2024, announced his resignation. Kingston stated that his decision to resign was made even before the WAFU B Championship began in Accra.
He expressed disappointment over the team’s performance but emphasized his commitment to the country, both during his playing days and as a coach.
Kingston disclosed that he had made the decision to step down while the team was in Russia for the U-16 tournament. He mentioned that he has always given his all to the country, both as a player, representing Ghana from junior to senior level, and as a coach.
During his 18-month tenure, the team played some of the best football seen from Ghana’s youth squad, scoring 54 goals in 18 games. As he steps away from the U-17 team, Kingston will now focus on his next venture.
This news article provides an overview of Ghana’s elimination from the U-17 AFCON qualifiers and the subsequent resignation of Laryea Kingston as the head coach of the Black Starlets.
