U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign: Princesses primed for glory in Colombia

Ghana's Black Princesses are gearing up for their seventh FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup campaign in Colombia, with a burning ambition to surpass their previous performances and break new ground.

This time, the mission is clear: advance beyond the group stage for the first time and make a significant impact in the competition.

The tournament, scheduled from August 31 to September 22, features 16 teams progressing to the knockout stages and the Princesses are determined to be among them.

Despite the formidable challenges ahead, head coach Yussif Basigi is resolute in his belief that the task is achievable and he is prepared to lead his team to success.

“We are heading to Colombia with a mission to break away from that record of having never progressed from the group stage. Yes, it is a herculean task, but it is a mission that can be accomplished,” Basigi confidently told the Daily Graphic.

Group E battles

Coach Basigi's confidence is buoyed by the competition’s expanded format, with the number of teams increased from 16 to 24, allowing 16 teams to progress from the group stages. The top two from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed teams, will move forward.

With the tournament set to kick off next, Ghana's quest begins in Group E, where they face the formidable former champions Japan, ever-improving New Zealand and tournament debutants Austria.

The Princesses’ campaign gets underway on September 2 against Austria, a match that could set the tone for their entire tournament. Then comes the stern test against Japan on September 5, followed by a crucial encounter with New Zealand on September 8.

The tournament kicks off with Cameroun taking on Mexico, while hosts Colombia face Australia. Other African representatives face equally tough assignments: Cameroun are in Group A against Colombia, Australia and Mexico; debutants Morocco are in Group C against the USA, Spain and Paraguay and Nigeria, runners-up in 2010 and 2014, will battle Germany, South Korea and Venezuela in Group D. Group B features France, Canada, Brazil and Fiji, while Group F includes North Korea, Argentina, Costa Rica and the Netherlands.

Manageable group

With a favourable draw, thorough preparation and confidence running high, Coach Basigi believes his team is better positioned to meet their targets than in previous tournaments, where they were often pitted in the "Group of Death."

“Previously, we found ourselves in what was usually tagged the Group of Death. For instance, in 2020, we played against France and the Netherlands and in 2022, we faced Japan, the Netherlands and the USA. While not disrespecting any of the sides in our group for the Colombia tournament, I believe with the preparation we have had, and the players being in shape, we should be able to achieve our target of going past the group stage for the first time,” Basigi said.

Drawing inspiration from their 2018 outing in France, where he first led the team, Basigi, who is on a mission to make history, believes the current squad has a fresh outlook. Each of the 24 teams in Colombia will have their own goals, but the Princesses are determined not to be overawed and will take lessons from past experiences to guide their strategy.

"We have learned from previous tournaments, and that experience will guide us in planning, preparing and executing our strategy to achieve our aim in Colombia," Basigi emphasised.

Battle-readiness

Even with the unfortunate loss of star forward Mukarama Abdulai due to injury, the Black Princesses are not short on firepower or experience. The squad of 21 players, many of whom were key figures in both the qualifying campaign and the African Games, is brimming with confidence and cohesion.

Coach Basigi has kept faith with a core group of players who know what it takes to compete at this level, and they are ready to step up.

The likes of Mary Amponsah, Mafia Nyame,­ Tracy Twum, and Jennifer Owusuaa will be crucial in Ghana’s attacking thrust, while the defensive solidity provided by Comfort Yeboah and Alexandra Emefa Tay will be vital in keeping their opponents at bay. In goal, Afi Ameneku and Jenna Kayla Sarpong will be expected to bring their A-game to ensure Ghana’s defence stands firm.

Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Afi Ameneku, Jenna Kayla Sarpong, Salam Najat
Defenders: Comfort Yeboah, Alexandra Emefa Tay, Abiba Issah, Sarah Kulible, Hannah Nyame
Midfielders: Asana Alhassan, Helen Alormenu, Wasima Mohammed, Beline Nyarko, Stella Nyamekye
Forwards: Jennifer Owusuaa, Mary Amponsah, Tracy Twum, Salamatu Abdulai, Mercy Attobrah, Mafia Nyame, Jennifer Dawah.