MATCH REPORT: Ghana 1-2 Burkina Faso – Black Starlets suffer first defeat in WAFU Zone B Championship

The National Under-17 team, the Black Starlets, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the semi-finals of the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship on Saturday at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Two goals from Asharaf Tapsoba sent the Burkinabes through to the final.

Burkina Faso broke the deadlock of the game on the 12th minute through Asharaf Tapsoba after Ghana goalie Michael Armah failed to make a good clearance.

The Black Starlets took control of the game afterwards and kept the heat on Burkina Faso, winning several corner kicks in the process but the equalizer will wait until the 30th minute.

Joseph Narbi slotted home a brilliant curler on the 30th minute to restore parity after a beautiful build-up.

The game went into recess with Ghana having the better share of possession in the first half.

The Black Starlets returned from the break determined to carry the day but it was Burkina Faso who did the unexpected.

Tapsoba restored the lead for Burkina Faso just three minutes after the break to silence the entire stadium.

The defeat to Burkina Faso means Ghana could not pick the automatic qualification to the 2025 AFCON to be staged next year.

Ghana will meet Nigeria in the battle for bronze medal on Tuesday.

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