Black Starlets head coach Prosper Ogum believes the current squad has a major responsibility to reconnect Ghana with its rich tradition in youth football at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Starlets are one of Africa’s most successful youth teams, winning the U-17 AFCON twice in 1995 and 1999.
Speaking about the significance of the tournament for the current generation, Ogum stressed the importance of preserving Ghana’s football heritage while also building a new identity.
“It is very important because Ghana has always been recognised as one of the strongest nations in youth football,” he told CAF Media.
The coach noted that the Black Starlets’ past achievements continue to inspire the current squad as they prepare to compete in Morocco.
“The Black Starlets have created great memories in the past and this current generation has an opportunity to write its own chapter in history,” Ogum added.
While acknowledging the weight of expectation, the former Asante Kotoko SC coach revealed that the technical team is encouraging players to focus on forging their own path rather than living solely in the shadow of previous generations.
“We constantly remind the players about the legacy they are carrying, but at the same time we encourage them to focus on creating their own identity and success story,” he explained.
The Black Starlets will be hoping to make a strong statement at the tournament as they face Algeria in their group opener on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
They are paired in Group D with reigning champions Senegal, Algeria and South Africa.
