Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, Minister of Youth and Sports, has tasked the Black Starlets to rise up to the challenge at the ongoing African U-17 Championship in Morocco.

The Starlets got off to their worst start ever at a continental championship, losing 1-6 to the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria last Sunday, but the minister insists all is not lost for the team in their quest to snatch one of the Africa’s tickets for the World Championship in the United Arab Emirates later in the year.

The Starlets face Congo on Wednesday, April 17 in their second match of the tournament in Marrakesh.

A statement signed by Michael Frimpong, Head of Public Relation on behalf of the Minister, said “It is my belief that Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin and his technical staff as well as the players have corrected all their flaws and are ready tactically to improve their performance to win the ultimate.

“I must acknowledge the fighting spirit of the team despite the odds and commend them for their commitment to fly high the flag of Ghana at the Tournament. I am confident that they would win their remaining matches and prove their mettle as two-time World Champions,” the statement said.

The Starlets will wrap up against neighbours Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday, April 20 in Casablanca.

Ghana have failed to qualify for the World Championship since the 2007 edition in South Korea.

The semi finalists will represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE in October.