Ghana’s under-17 national team, the Black Starlets, failed to qualify for the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations after losing 1-0 to Côte d’Ivoire. The defeat came in a tense qualifier in which Ghana was reduced to 10 men. Despite its numerical disadvantage, the Young Elephants could not find the goal needed to overturn the result. Côte d’Ivoire held on to secure the win against its regional rival. The loss ends Ghana’s hopes of reaching the tournament and leaves the team out of the competition. The Black Starlets will now have to assess where their qualification effort broke down. Coaches can use the defeat to address the team’s performance before the next youth cycle.