President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, says the Black Starlets game against Cote d'Ivoire is a final as they chase a return to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Ghana will play Ivory Coast in the opening game of the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations on Wednesday, May 15, at the University of Ghana Stadium.

Okraku visited the team in their hotel on Tuesday ahead of the tournament's opener where he expressed confidence in the squad.

"No matter how the game starts, we must beat them. Let’s stay together. There will be good moments and challenging moments but let’s stay together and fight for the honour of our dear country," said Okraku.

"It’s time to show Ghana and Africa the things you’ve learnt. I am in no doubt about the quality of talents we have in this team. Neither am I in doubt about the level of commitment and desire to show what you have."

In his address, he revealed Ghana's determination to play on the world stage after last doing so in 2017 when Paa Kwesi Fabin took the team to India.

"Tomorrow (Wednesday), you will get the platform to exhibit your God-given talent to Ghana, Africa and the rest of the world. The opposition will not escape tomorrow! We’ll beat them," Okraku continued.

"Our desire is to go to the 2025 AFCON: And to open that door, we need the victory tomorrow. For me, tomorrow is our final!"

Ghana is in Group A which also houses Cote d'Ivoire and Benin.