President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has emphasized the significance of the upcoming match between Ghana's Black Starlets and Cote d'Ivoire, labelling it as a "final" as they strive to secure a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The clash is set to kick off the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations on Wednesday, May 15, at the University of Ghana Stadium, with Ghana facing Ivory Coast in the opening fixture.
Ahead of the tournament's kickoff, Okraku paid a visit to the team in their hotel on Tuesday to convey his confidence in their abilities.
"No matter how the game starts, we must beat them. Let’s stay together. There will be good moments and challenging moments but let’s stay together and fight for the honour of our dear country," Okraku stated.
"It’s time to showcase Ghana and Africa the skills you’ve acquired. I am fully convinced of the talent we have in this team and the level of commitment and desire to prove yourselves."
He also highlighted Ghana's aspiration to return to the global stage, noting their last appearance in 2017 under Paa Kwesi Fabin's leadership in India.
"Tomorrow (Wednesday), you will get the platform to exhibit your God-given talent to Ghana, Africa, and the rest of the world. The opposition will not escape tomorrow! We’ll beat them," Okraku continued.
"Our goal is to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, and to achieve that, we need to secure victory tomorrow. For me, tomorrow is our final!"
Ghana is placed in Group A alongside Ivory Coast and Benin for the tournament.