Ghana’s Black Starlets have been eliminated from the ongoing 2021 WAFU U-17 Cup of Nations in Togo.
The national U17 side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday to be kicked out of the competition in the group stage.
Ben Fokuo’s team recorded just one point after two games and needed just a draw to seal passage to the last four.
Togolese referee Vicentia Eyonam Amedome was at her poor best throughout the game, denying Ghana three penalties.
She denied the Black Starlets a penalty in the 32nd minute as the Ghanaian forward was fouled in the box after a late challenge from an Ivorian defender.
The Ivorians scored in the opening minutes of the first half through Arafat Doumbia as the first half ended 1-0 in their favor.
Back from the break, the Ivorian team extended their lead to 2-0 through Arafat Doumbia in the 49th.
Few minutes later, the Black Starlets pulled one back.
Arafat Doumbia got his hat-trick as he scored from the spot to give Young Elephants a commanding 3-1 lead.
Ivory Coast and Nigeria have booked qualification to the last four from Group B.
