David Kwarteng scored the tournament's first goal as the Black Starlets edged Togo 1-0 to open their WAFU Zone B U-17 campaign in Ouagadougou.
Ghana's Black Starlets have a name in the record books. Midfielder David Kwarteng scored the first goal of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship, and it was enough to beat Togo 1-0 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The breakthrough came in the seventh minute of the Group A clash on Saturday, October 10, at the August 4 Sports Stadium. It began with a set-piece routine started by Abdul Latif Wunzalgu. Togo blocked the initial free-kick, and captain Abdul Rafiu Issah had a follow-up effort. Kwarteng was sharpest to react and finished the move off.
After that early strike, Ghana kept their shape and defended the lead to secure all three points. The result put them top of Group A, helped by the other opener, in which hosts Burkina Faso and Benin drew 0-0.
The stakes go beyond group standings. This regional tournament is Ghana's route to the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, so a winning start matters.
Next up for the Black Starlets is Benin on Tuesday, October 13. Kwarteng and his team-mates will aim to build on this opening win and stay in control of the group.
