(From Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Lome, Togo, Courtesy Ministry of Education, Science and Sports)

Lome, March 15, GNA - Coach Fred Osam Duodo said it is gratifying that the Black Starlets have adapted well to playing in front of spectators and was hopeful that they will soon translate their mood into their play.

The Starlets play Nigeria in a last Group game at the ongoing African U-17 Championship in Togo on Saturday and the coach believes their chances are as bright as snow.

Coach Duodo told the GNA Sports in Lome that "the boys appeared jittery in their first game against Burkina Faso because they were playing a competitive game in front of fans in a long while.

"Throughout our tour in Egypt, we played in front of a near empty stadium and I knew it will require a bit of time for them to adapt to situations.

"But I can now convincingly say that with all that they did against Burkina and Eritrea I expect them to step up their game further as we progress".

Some of the players admitted being nervous when the national anthem was being played in their first match against their West African neighbours but exhibited some level of maturity against the Eritreans. The Starlets, second in Group B booked their qualification into the next stage of the two-week fiesta.

The Ghanaians are housed alongside group leaders Nigeria, Burkina Faso and debutants, Eritrea.

Coach Duodo told the GNA Sports that the team will go fighting for the desired three points in their quest to keep their dream of winning the trophy for the third time on course.

The Starlets are regarded as favourites for the tourney.