Ghana’s Black Starlets have been handed a tough Group D assignment for the 21st U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The draw took place today, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

The team will face defending champions Senegal, alongside Algeria and South Africa, in a group expected to be highly competitive.

Ghana enters the tournament with a strong record, having won the title twice - in 1995 and 1999 - and finishing as runners-up in 2005 and 2017, making them one of the most successful teams in the competition’s history.

Their opponents also bring experience to the tournament. Senegal are the current champions, South Africa were runners-up in 2015, and Algeria reached the final in 2009.

The 2026 edition of the tournament will be hosted in Morocco from May 13 to June 2, featuring top youth teams from across the continent.

Ghana will be aiming to progress from the group and secure qualification for the U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.