Ghana’s U17 national team, despite being eliminated from the qualifying race for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), could still participate in the tournament. This possibility arises from the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) announcement regarding the expansion of the number of participating teams. A final decision is expected during CAF’s virtual executive committee meeting on Friday, June 21, 2024.
CAF’s consideration of this expansion follows FIFA’s recent decision to increase the number of teams in the U17 World Cup from 24 to 48.
The move is aimed at providing more opportunities for young talents across the globe to compete on the world stage.
CAF is likely to align with this new structure, thus expanding the AFCON U17 tournament.
This development is a significant milestone for African football, offering more teams the chance to qualify for major tournaments.
For Ghana’s U17 team, the Black Starlets, this decision could revive their hopes of participating in the final phase of the AFCON U17 competition.
The Black Starlets have not appeared in the final stages of the tournament since 2019.
Their recent attempt to qualify ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the semi-finals of the UFOA B U17 tournament and subsequently lost the third-place match to Nigeria.
This defeat also led to the resignation of their coach, Laryea Kingston.
The potential expansion of the tournament is seen as a positive move for African football, providing a broader platform for young players to showcase their skills. I
t not only increases the visibility of African talent but also enhances the competitive experience for teams that might not have qualified under the previous format.
CAF’s decision to potentially include more teams in the AFCON U17 could significantly benefit countries like Ghana.
The Black Starlets have a rich history in youth football and have been known for producing talented players who have gone on to succeed at higher levels.
Their participation in the expanded tournament could reignite their competitive spirit and provide valuable experience for the young players.
As the football community awaits the outcome of CAF’s meeting, there is a sense of optimism among Ghanaian football fans.
The inclusion of more teams would not only offer a second chance to the Black Starlets but also promise a more inclusive and diverse competition, reflecting the growing talent pool across the continent.
The decision expected on June 21, 2024, could mark a new era for African youth football.
An expanded AFCON U17 tournament aligns with global trends and showcases Africa’s commitment to nurturing young football talents.
For Ghana, this could mean a renewed opportunity to compete at the highest level, providing a platform for the next generation of Black Starlets to shine.
In conclusion, Ghana’s potential participation in the 2025 AFCON U17 hinges on CAF’s anticipated decision to expand the tournament.
This move would be a welcome change, fostering greater inclusivity and development in African football.
