WAFU B U17: Ghana coach resigns ahead of Nigeria tie, as slim AFCON chance opens for Golden Eaglets

Ghana U-17 coach Laryea Kingston has resigned ahead of the team’s third-place match against Nigeria in the WAFU B U17 Championships, Soccernet.ng reports.

This follows Ghana’s failure to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the World Cup.

Ghana lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso in the semifinals, missing out on a chance to secure a spot in next year’s AFCON.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Cote d’Ivoire in their semifinal match.

In a press conference, Kingston expressed his disappointment and announced his resignation. He stated that he had decided to step down regardless of the outcome of the tournament.

The Ghana FA confirmed that Kingston’s assistant coaches, supported by the technical director, will manage the team for the third-place match against Nigeria on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Possible AFCON Chance for Golden Eaglets

Despite their semifinal loss, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets may still qualify for next year’s U-17 AFCON.

The expansion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup means more African teams could secure spots.

CAF has not yet announced how many teams from the WAFU B qualifying tournament will advance to the U-17 AFCON.

However, Golden Eaglets insider Francis Achi, suggested that the winners of the third-place match against Ghana might qualify.

Lifeline for Golden Eaglets…

It is likely that three teams will qualify from WAFU Zone B for U17 AFCON.
There is still all to play for in the third place game against Ghana. pic.twitter.com/9jRVdQJ2LT

— Francis Achi (@totorimaster) May 25, 2024

“It is likely that three teams will qualify from WAFU Zone B for the U17 AFCON,” Achi posted on social media. “There is still all to play for in the third-place game against Ghana.”

Update from WAFU B U17 championship…

CAF will confirm in the coming days if three or four teams will qualify from WAFU B. @CAF_Online @CAF_Media @thenff @NGSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/n1O6fJZXZm

— Francis Achi (@totorimaster) May 26, 2024

The Golden Eaglets are the most successful team in FIFA U-17 World Cup history, with five titles.