The head coach of Ghana’s U-17 national team, Kassim Ocansey, expressed deep disappointment following their elimination from qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Starlets suffered a 1-0 defeat against Ivory Coast, abruptly ending their run in the WAFU Zone B tournament. Ghana’s U-17 team had maintained an undefeated record throughout the group stage, building hopes for advancement. However, the loss to the Ivorians proved decisive, denying them a spot in the competition. Ocansey described the defeat as “really painful,” reflecting the team's and the nation’s frustration. The result marks a setback for the young Ghanaian players’ ambitions of competing on the continental stage at the Africa Cup of Nations. The WAFU Zone B tournament serves as a qualifying pathway for the larger AFCON competition.