Ghana's National Under-17 team, the Black Starlets, thumped Ivory Coast 5-1 in the opener of the 2024 WAFU Zone B Under-17 tournament at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Led by former Black Stars winger Laryea Kingston, the Black Starlets opened their goal-scoring account with Joseph Narbi grabbing the first goal of the tournament with a cool finish.

The youngster followed it up with another goal for the Black Starlets in the 42nd minute when he netted his second goal.

Back from recess, the Black Starlets went up by three goals after Godfred Sarpong found the back of the net in the 48th minute.

However, two minutes later, the Ivorians pulled one back in the match to make it 3-1.

Ghana made it count once again with a valuable corner kick which Harve Gbafa headed in to make it four goals for the Starlets.

Mark Mensah later sealed the fifth and final goal for the Black Starlets in added time.

The Black Starlets are determined to break Ghana's U17 AFCON qualification drought that has plagued the nation since 2017.

The team has set their sights on reaching the final of the 2024 WAFU Zone B Under-17 tournament to qualify for the 2025 U17 AFCON Championship.

JNA/NOQ