AFCON U-17: Black Starlets beat South Africa 3-1 but await CAF draw of lots to determine fate

Ghana's Black Starlets beat South Africa 3-1 on Wednesday night in Morocco. Captain Joseph Narbi scored twice from the penalty spot to inspire Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum's side to a crucial victory at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé.

The Black Starlets went into the match under pressure after opening their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Algeria before suffering a 1-0 defeat to a 10-man Senegal side, leaving them bottom of the group with one point. South Africa responded after recess and reduced the deficit through Mhlongo, setting up a tense finish. The Black Starlets sealed victory deep into stoppage time with a third goal from a swift counterattack to end South Africa's hopes of qualification.

The Black Starlets finished level with Algeria on points, goal difference and head-to-head record, meaning CAF regulations require a draw of lots to determine who finishes second and third in Group D. A second-place finish would send Ghana into the quarter-finals and secure qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup. If Ghana finish third, they will be eliminated from the U-17 AFCON but will have another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup through a playoff.