Joe Abu Salam defends Black Starlets' 20-hour road trip to Burkina Faso

The Leader of Delegation for Ghana’s U17 national team, Joe Abu Salam, has defended the decision to transport the Black Starlets to Burkina Faso by road, stating that the move was a pre-planned component of their tournament strategy. Addressing concerns regarding the 20-hour journey, Salam clarified that the arrangement was not a result of neglect or a lack of support from the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Instead, the road trip was integrated into the team's training schedule to optimize their final preparations for the upcoming WAFU Zone B U17 Championship.

According to Salam, the travel itinerary included a strategic stop in Bolgatanga, where the squad utilized a training facility to maintain their fitness and tactical focus before crossing the border. This approach allowed the technical team to manage the players' transition into the regional environment more effectively than a direct flight might have allowed. The delegation leader emphasized that the logistics were carefully coordinated to ensure the players remained in peak physical condition, countering public suggestions that the long distance would negatively impact their performance on the pitch during the tournament.

The Black Starlets are set to compete in Group B of the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship, where they will face competition from Togo, Benin, and the host nation, Burkina Faso. This tournament serves as a crucial qualifying stage for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). By arriving in Burkina Faso via the planned road route, the team aims to establish a strong presence in the group stages and secure their progression toward the continental championship, fulfilling the GFA's broader objectives for youth football development and international success.