The Black Starlets of Ghana thrashed Cote d’Ivoire 5-1 in the opening match of the 2024 WAFU Zone B Under-17 Championship at the University of Ghana Stadium on Tuesday.
Joseph Narbi scored a brace while Godfred Srapong, Harve Gbafa and Mark Kagawa each registered a goal in the second half to crown a magnificent afternoon for Ghana.
The Black Starlets managed by former Ghanaian International, Laryea Kingston amazed the fans with breathtaking goals in the encounter.
Narbi shot Ghana in front in the 27th minute with a beautiful volley before doubling the lead in the 42nd.
In the second half, the Black Starlets continued from where they left off with Sarpong adding to the goals with a perfect volley.
The Ivorians fought back to make scores 3-1 shortly after Ghana’s third but it was of no consequence as Gbafa headed home the fourth goal from a corner kick to put the Starlets 4-1 up.
Kagawa then sealed off a wonderful day for Ghana after driving home a magnificent curler.
Ghana’s chances of qualifying to the next stage of the competition look bright with the 5-1 win over Cote d’Ivoire.
Defending champions the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria will begin their campaign in Group B on Thursday when they take on Burkina Faso.
Togo will face Niger Republic in the other Group B game.