News Guide Africa

Tag: Confederation of African Football (CAF)

  • Black Starlets handed tricky Group D draw as quest for World Cup return begins

    Black Starlets handed tricky Group D draw as quest for World Cup return begins

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    Ghana’s national U-17 team, the Black Starlets, have been drawn into a challenging Group D for the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), setting the stage for a high-stakes tournament as they eye a long-awaited return to the global stage.

    The draw, conducted at the CAF headquarters, placed the two-time world champions in a group described by pundits as “tricky,” featuring opponents that will test the depth and tactical discipline of the current Starlets squad.

    The Road to the World Cup

    For the Black Starlets, the 2026 AFCON is more than just a quest for continental glory; it is the primary gateway to the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Ghana has not featured at the world stage in this category since 2017, and the pressure is mounting on the current technical team to break that nearly decade-long drought.

    To secure a World Cup berth, the Starlets must finish as one of the top teams in the tournament, a task that begins with navigating a group packed with physically dominant and tactically evolving African counterparts.

    Tactical Challenges Ahead

    While Ghana has historically been a powerhouse in youth football, the landscape of the U-17 game has shifted. The Starlets will need to find a balance between their traditional flair and the defensive solidity required to overcome the “tricky” hurdles in Group D.

    “It’s a tough group, but at this level, there are no easy games,” noted a source close to the team’s technical camp. “We have prepared for this. The boys are hungry to put Ghana back on the world map, and they know that every match in this group is a final.”

    Youth Development at a Crossroads

    The tournament comes at a time when the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has renewed its focus on the “Catch Them Young” policy and grassroots development. A successful run in the U-17 AFCON would be seen as a major validation of these recent investments in the youth national teams.

    Expectations are high following the Starlets’ impressive performances in recent regional qualifying matches and invitational tournaments. However, the AFCON proper presents a different level of intensity and scrutiny.

    National Support

    Football fans across the country have expressed cautious optimism. The Black Starlets have traditionally been the “darling boys” of Ghanaian football, often providing a glimpse into the future of the senior national team, the Black Stars.

    The 2026 U-17 AFCON is scheduled to kick off later this year, with Group D matches expected to be among the most watched fixtures of the opening round. For the Starlets, the mission is clear: survive Group D, conquer Africa, and book that elusive ticket to the World Cup.

     

     

     

  • CAF begins review of “unacceptable behaviour” at AFCON final for disciplinary action

    CAF begins review of “unacceptable behaviour” at AFCON final for disciplinary action

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a strong condemnation of what it described as “unacceptable behaviour” by some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday night.

     

    In an official statement released on 19 January 2026, CAF said it “strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.”

     

    The governing body said it is reviewing all available footage of the incidents at the high‑profile match and will refer the matter to the relevant disciplinary bodies for action against those found guilty.

    “CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty,” the statement said.

     

    The final, which concluded the continent’s flagship tournament held in Morocco, was marred by disorderly scenes that drew widespread attention.

     

    Tensions escalated late in the game after contentious decisions on the field, including a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time, prompting Senegal’s players to briefly walk off the pitch in protest.

     

    The match, which was level at 0‑0 at the end of normal time, resumed after several minutes’ delay, and Senegal went on to win 1‑0 in extra time.

     

    CAF’s statement did not single out particular individuals in naming misconduct, but the condemnation of actions directed at officials reflects the body’s wider effort to uphold discipline and respect within African football. CAF has emphasised that inappropriate conduct on or off the field will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate disciplinary measures following its review.

     

    The review of footage and subsequent referral to competent bodies marks the first formal step towards sanctions, which could include fines, suspensions or other penalties, depending on the findings of CAF’s disciplinary process.