Ghana’s Black Starlets to face Mali in final friendly ahead of U-17 AFCON

The Black Starlets will wrap up their preparations for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a final friendly against Mali U-17 on Saturday in Mohammadia.

The match, scheduled for 16:00 GMT, forms a crucial part of both nations’ build-up, with the two sides currently based in the Moroccan city as they fine-tune their preparations for the continental showpiece.

For Ghana, the fixture represents the last opportunity for head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and his technical team to assess player fitness, refine tactical structures, and make final decisions on squad selection before the tournament begins.

The Starlets have already tested themselves during a productive training tour in Ivory Coast, where they played two preparatory matches against the Young Elephants. After falling short in the first encounter, the team responded strongly in the return fixture with an impressive 4-0 victory, a result that boosted confidence within the camp.

The upcoming clash against Mali is expected to be a significantly tougher challenge, with the West African rivals traditionally known for their physical strength, tactical discipline, and strong youth development pedigree. The match will therefore serve as a valuable benchmark for Ghana’s readiness at this level.

Coach Ogum is expected to use the encounter to finalise tactical adjustments and evaluate key players in competitive conditions, with squad balance and game management among the main areas of focus ahead of the tournament.

With momentum building and selection decisions nearing completion, the Black Starlets will be aiming to end their preparation phase on a high note and carry confidence into their opening U-17 AFCON fixture in Morocco.