Black Starlets Fall Narrowly to 10-Man Senegal in Crucial Group D Clash

The Black Starlets suffered a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in their second Group D game at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco despite producing a spirited performance full of determination and attacking intent.

Ghana thought they had made the perfect start to the contest after finding the back of the net in the early minutes of the game through Eric Adu Gyamfi. However, celebrations were cut short after the video support review ruled out the goal. 

Despite the setback, the young Ghanaian side continued to push forward in search of the opening goal. The Black Starlets controlled large spells of the first half and constantly threatened the Senegalese defence with their movement and attacking play.

Senegal’s task became even more difficult after they were reduced to ten men following a red card incident, handing Ghana a numerical advantage for a significant part of the game.

The Black Starlets were then presented with a golden opportunity again to take the lead when Mark Aboagye was brought down inside the penalty area. Midfielder Isaac Barfo stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort failed to find the target as Senegal survived another major scare.

Senegal returned for the second half with a defensive approach, sitting deep and relying mainly on counterattacks. Despite Ghana’s dominance in possession and territorial control, Senegal capitalised on one of their breaks to score what eventually proved to be the decisive goal of the match.

The Black Starlets continued to search for an equaliser until the final whistle but were unable to break through the resolute Senegalese defence.

Although the defeat leaves Ghana with work to do in the group, the Black Starlets remain firmly in contention for qualification.

The team will now shift full attention to the final group game against South Africa, where victory could secure a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.