Black Princesses eye winning start against Ecuador in FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup - Preview
The Black Princesses will kick-start their FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup campaign against Ecuador this evening in Poland. The Group C opener is a crucial one for Coach Charles Sampson's side as they aim to make a strong statement after qualifying for a record eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
The Black Princesses head into the game in high spirits after a final training session that focused on set-pieces and tactical shape. Coach Sampson says his players are focused, fresh, and ready to showcase themselves to the world.
"You could see that they are very, very focused. The presence of dignitaries here has also raised their morale, so we are looking forward to tomorrow. It's difficult to say.
"I was wondering for long how I would be feeling, but I don't know how it will be tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. I just know that it has been a dream. It has been a privilege and the journey has been amazing, so we are looking forward to showcasing what we have to the world tomorrow.
"We are going in with the intention of winning. That's the first game we have in the group and we know that it is very vital, and that's the intention we are going into the game with’’ Charles Sampson told the press ahead of the Group C opener.
Ghana will be counting on their blend of experience from the African qualifiers and the youthful exuberance in the squad to overcome a tricky Ecuador side making their mark on the world stage.
Defender Alexandra Tay is one of the key players to watch out for in this tournament following her participation in the tournament two years ago. Tay made a mark in Colombia in 2024 and says the players are ready to fight for glory.
"The training has been really good. I think the motivation in the group is really strong right now. Now that we're in Poland, it's a good mix of excitement and a real desire to compete and to hunt for something that we haven't done before. So, I think we're ready to go," Tay said.
With Korea Republic and France to come in the other group fixtures, a win in the opening game will be vital for Ghana's ambitions of reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
Morale in camp is high following a visit from the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, who relayed a message of support from President H.E. John Dramani Mahama and the 35 million Ghanaians backing the team.
"For me, the first game is the most important, because if we start well, chances are that we will do well. History tells us that this team has always been here.
" My inner faith is telling me that we have enough quality here to qualify from this group. I think so far, and by far, we have sacrificed a lot. You have been patient and gone through the troubles and the hassles.
‘’Now, we are faced by three opponents — Ecuador, Korea Republic and France. These three nations, believe me, are no better than us.
"And I believe we have enough quality in this team to win games in this group and to make it to the second round of the competition. President Simeon-Okraku told the players on Thursday.
The Princesses have preached togetherness ahead of the game - and will be hoping that team spirit translates into three points tonight.
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