Canadian-born Ghanaian defender Kenneth Osei Bonsu Amankwa has set his sights on earning a place in the final squad of Ghana’s U-17 team, the Black Starlets, ahead of the upcoming Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The centre-back has been making steady progress at club level, featuring in 10 matches for Excelsior Rotterdam, where he has contributed two goals and two assists—an impressive return for a player in his position.
Amankwa’s development has been shaped by exposure to competitive European football, having trained with Belgian sides RWDM Molenbeek and Royal Antwerp. These experiences have played a key role in refining his defensive abilities and overall understanding of the game.
Speaking on his ambition to represent Ghana, the young defender described the opportunity as deeply meaningful, highlighting his strong personal and family connection to the country.
He noted that playing for Ghana at a high level would be a proud moment not only for himself but also for his family, adding that he is fully committed to giving his best in training to earn selection.
While acknowledging that missing out on the final squad would be disappointing, Amankwa emphasized his determination to learn and continue improving regardless of the outcome.
The Black Starlets are set to face a challenging group stage at the tournament, where they will compete against defending champions Algeria, as well as South Africa.
Ghana enters the competition with a rich history at the U-17 level, having won the tournament twice and consistently performing as one of Africa’s strongest youth football nations.
The 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Morocco from May 13 to June 2, bringing together the continent’s top emerging football talents.
