WAFU B U17: All eyes on Laryea Kingston as Black Starlets battle Ivory Coast

Laryea Kingston, a former national star, is making his coaching debut with the Black Starlets at the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship.

His team faces Ivory Coast in their first match.

Their ultimate goal is to qualify for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He is confident in his team’s preparations and readiness, thanks to the support of the Football Association.

“We are ready,” he asserts confidently as his team ready themselves for Wednesday’s clash against Ivory Coast.

“Preparations have been very good, and from our last training, the boys are looking very good for the game,” he adds optimistically.

However, Kingston is feeling the pressure to deliver, especially after Ghana’s failure to qualify for the AFCON since 2017.

“Yes, we’re under pressure to perform because, in the last two editions, we have not been able to qualify. I know Ghanaians expect us to qualify, and that puts some pressure on us,” he concedes.

Despite the huge expectations, Kingston remains resolute in his team’s capabilities.

“There is pressure on us but where we’ve taken the boys to and the preparations we have had, thanks to the FA, we’re ready,” he affirms.

The tournament, being held on home soil, offers a golden opportunity for the Black Starlets to reestablish their dominance on the African stage.

Following meticulous preparations at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence in Prampram, where the team underwent intensive training sessions, Ghana’s young footballers are primed for success to achieve the primary objective of securing a spot in the AFCON.

Placed in Group A, the Black Starlets are focused on their upcoming fixtures, with matches against Benin following their clash with Ivory Coast.