Ghana Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa says his side is prepared for a stern test against hosts Ivory Coast but remains determined to secure victory in their final WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup match.
The encounter, which kicks off at 14:00 GMT on Monday, September 28, could prove decisive in Ghana’s hopes of progressing, with the final standings also hinging on results elsewhere.
Speaking to the media, Adarkwa acknowledged that Ivory Coast will draw confidence from playing in front of their home supporters but insisted his team has devised a plan to overcome the challenge.
“Cote d’Ivoire are a very good side and very strong physically,” he said.
“We know they are playing at home with their supporters, so we will map our strategy to beat them and take the three points.”
With Nigeria’s result also likely to influence the group’s outcome, the Ghana coach stressed that his players cannot afford to focus on anything other than winning.
“We don’t know what will happen to Nigeria, so we have to win and move forward,” Adarkwa said.
“We are here for a win, nothing else. We will match them boot for boot.”
The Black Maidens have used the WAFU B tournament as part of their preparations for upcoming international assignments, and Adarkwa praised the regional body for providing valuable competitive experience.
“We are happy to be here. Without this tournament, we wouldn’t have had such good preparation,” he added.
“Thank you to WAFU for this wonderful tournament.”
Ghana will now hope to back up their coach’s confidence with a result against the hosts and keep their hopes alive in the competition.
