Ghana’s U-17 head coach, Laryea Kingston, is urging caution despite his team’s impressive victory in the opening match of the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations.
Launching their campaign with a commanding 5-1 win over Cote d’Ivoire at the University of Ghana Stadium, the Black Starlets signaled their intent to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, a feat they aim to achieve for the first time since 2017.
Despite the praise pouring in for Kingston and his squad, the coach is urging Ghanaians to temper their celebrations.
“It’s too early to celebrate. Too early. For us, we are taking it one game at a time,” said the former Ghana international.
“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.”
Having last appeared in the AFCON in 2017, where they finished as runners-up to Mali, Ghana’s youthful team faces Benin next on Tuesday, May 21, in what promises to be another challenging encounter.
