Black Starlets coach Laryea Kingston downplays hype surrounding 5-1 win

Black Starlets coach Laryea Kingston claims that he’s approaching each game with caution and believes it’s premature to celebrate, despite his team’s victorious start at the 2024 WAFU U-17 Championship.

The team’s primary goal is to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, a competition they haven’t participated in since 2017. Their promising attacking display in the opening match suggests they have the potential to achieve this goal.

They dominated the field, securing an impressive 5-1 victory over Ivory Coast, positioning themselves favorably for the semi-finals before their final group match against Benin next week.

Although Ivory Coast initially dominated proceedings, Ghana’s goalkeeper Michael Armah’s commendable saves kept his team in contention until the Black Starlets seized control.

Goals from Joseph Narbi (twice), Godfred Sarpong, Harve Gbafa, and Mark Kagawa Mensah brought joy to Ghanaian supporters.

“It’s too early to celebrate. Too early. For us, we are taking it one game at a time,” Kingston reiterated.

Reflecting on Ghana’s previous successes, including being crowned U-17 world champions twice, Kingston admits the nation’s hunger for a return to form since 2017.

He expresses gratitude to the Ghana FA for entrusting him with the task of leading the team, reaffirming his commitment to changing the narrative.

“It’s true that since 2017 we have not enjoyed what we are good at. Previously our youth teams were very good. It’s something that Ghanaians are craving for. I will always thank the FA for believing in me, and for calling me to come down from Denmark to take this team.”

“The first day I came to Ghana, my aim was to change the narrative, meaning qualifying the team [for the first time] since 2017.”

The Black Starlets got off to a flying start in the U-17 WAFU Zone B Championship earlier on Wednesday, recording a 5-1 victory over Ivory Coast.

I watched the game and put together this report.#3SportsGH #QAFCONU17pic.twitter.com/xiHBOUSKE9

— Bill Eshun (@Bill_Eshun) May 15, 2024

The top two teams in the WAFU Championship will earn qualification for the U-17 AFCON scheduled for next year.