Black Starlets miss out of U-17 AFCON after defeat to Burkina Faso

Ghana failed to qualify for the 2022 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a painful 0-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in a WAFU B Championship semi-final clash at the Cape Coast Stadium on Tuesday.

The Burkinabe started the game on a good note and dominated play, but against the run of play the Black Starlets were denied a penalty after Pius Adua was tripped in the box.

In the 24th minute, Burkina Faso also made a dangerous incursion through a solo run by Kamara but a timely slide tackle from Richard Aweh resulted in a wasted corner kick.
Four minutes after, the Young Stallions broke out again on the right but Bamba’s cross to Alioum at the far post went wide.

In the 41st substitute, Richard Apokum nearly gave Ghana the lead but his shot was parried out by the Burkinabe goalie.

The Starlets came close to scoring in the 60th minute after Andrews Appiah's long drive was saved by the Burkinabe goalkeeper.

However, the Young Stallions were awarded a penalty in the 63rd minute after the referee judged Collins Agyemang’s clearance to be a foul on advancing Aboubakar Camara in the box. Ousmane Camara stepped up to convert the spot kick which turned out to be the match winner.

Ghana fought back and earned a free kick in the 67th minute, but Abdul Rashid Adam’s delivery missed the post by inches.
Ghana kept pushing for the equaliser, and Abdul Razak Salifu launched an attack on the right but shot wide.

Another penalty appeal in the 76th minute after Andrews Appiah looked like striking off the hand of a Burkinabe player but a free kick was given instead which went wide.

By that slim victory, Burkina Faso will face Nigeria in the final.