The Black Starlets are set to face Ivory Coast’s Young Elephants on Thursday afternoon in the second leg of their international friendly double-header at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

Ghana enters the match looking to bounce back from a 2–0 defeat in the first leg. Despite the loss, the Starlets were noted for their dominance and attacking play, though they failed to convert several scoring opportunities.

Clinical Finishing Required

Reflecting on the opening game, head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum noted that while the team's structure was sound, a lack of precision in front of goal was the deciding factor.

“We controlled large parts of the game and created enough chances to win, but at this level you must be clinical,” Dr. Ogum stated. “It’s a good learning experience for the players, and we will work on improving our decision-making in the final third.”

The coach also pointed to defensive lapses that allowed the hosts to capitalize on key moments, urging his squad to maintain focus for the full 90 minutes.

Squad Rotation and Assessment

With the second leg serving as a final evaluation period before the upcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Dr. Ogum indicated that he will rotate the starting lineup.

“This second game is another opportunity for us to evaluate the team. We will rotate the squad to give others a chance, but the objective remains the same—to improve as a unit and compete at a high level,” he added.

Final AFCON Preparations

The technical team views this double-header as a critical component of the Starlets' preparations. Thursday’s match offers a final high-intensity environment to instill the discipline and finishing required for the continental stage.

The Black Starlets will be aiming for a performance that converts their creative potential into a positive result before concluding their tour in Ivory Coast.