Head Coach of the Black Princesses, Yussif Basigi, addressed the media on Sunday ahead of Ghana’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup opener against Austria on Monday. As he embarks on his second World Cup campaign, Basigi expressed confidence in his team’s readiness and their potential for a strong showing, aiming to improve on their 2018 group stage exit.
Team Readiness:
Basigi assured that both players and technical staff are fully prepared, with the players showing eagerness to perform on the world stage. “The players are match-ready because this is what they have been waiting for,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the staff’s readiness to inspire confidence in the squad.
Blending New and Experienced Players:
Despite this being the first major international competition for many of the players, Basigi highlighted the benefits of recent friendly matches against Mexico and South Korea, which have helped the team acclimatize to the competition level. He also noted the valuable experience gained from playing Nigeria in the African Games.
Altitude Challenges:
Basigi acknowledged initial struggles with Colombia’s altitude but reported that the team has now adjusted well after a week of training, showcasing their readiness in friendly matches.
Motivation and Opportunity:
The coach expressed his motivation and calmness ahead of the tournament, viewing it as a unique opportunity for both himself and the players. He reminded the team that this could be their last chance at this level or a stepping stone to the senior national team, with the senior team’s head coach present in Colombia to scout talent.
Facing Austria:
Basigi revealed that the technical team has studied Austria’s play and will develop a tactical approach tailored to counter their strengths.
Support and Government Backing:
Basigi called for the continued support and prayers of Ghanaians, acknowledging the strong backing from the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Football Association. He expressed gratitude for the comprehensive support provided during their preparations.
The Black Princesses will kick off their World Cup campaign against Austria at the El Techo Stadium in Bogotá at 22:00 GMT.
