CAF U-17 AFCON: I want to tell young people to take what they do seriously – Ghana’s Esau Kpoeti

Ghana’s Esau Kpoeti has issued an inspiring message to aspiring footballers back home, urging them to pursue their dreams with dedication and faith.

At the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, twin brothers Jacob Kofi Etse Kpoeti and Esau Kofi Atsu Kpoeti have become one of the tournament’s most fascinating stories, playing side by side in central defence for Ghana’s Black Starlets on one of African football’s biggest youth stages.

Regardless of how far Ghana progress in Morocco, the twins have already become symbols of possibility back home. Messages now arrive daily from classmates, friends and young footballers from Mepe who suddenly believe their own dreams may also be achievable.

“I want to tell young people in my village and in Ghana to take what they do seriously. And pray to God to help them find people who can guide them to become what they want to become,” Esau said.

For now, the twins remain focused on helping Ghana recover from their opening setback. But in a tournament filled with future stars, the Kpoeti brothers have already achieved something unique. In football’s most demanding position, where trust is everything, Ghana’s Black Starlets are being anchored by two defenders connected not only by tactics or training but by blood.