Ghana’s Black Maidens ready to take on Norway as Joe Nana Adarkwa targets winning World Cup start

Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa believes his team is ready for the challenge of facing Norway in their opening match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after making steady progress during a two-week training camp in Morocco.

Ghana’s preparations in Rabat have given the technical team an opportunity to sharpen the players’ performances ahead of the tournament, with Adarkwa expressing confidence in the squad’s development as they approach their first major test.

The coach admitted that the team struggled in their opening pre-tournament friendly but was encouraged by the improvement shown in their subsequent outing.

“The girls are doing very well,” he said, highlighting the progress made since the team arrived in Morocco.

Adarkwa believes the Maidens have gradually found their rhythm and are better prepared for the demands of the competition after addressing some of the shortcomings exposed in their initial friendly.

“Our first match was not all that good; we lost. But our second match was much improved,” he stated.

Adarkwa backs game plan against Norway

With the opening fixture approaching, Adarkwa has made it clear that Ghana will remain committed to their tactical approach rather than abandon their principles under the pressure of competing on the world stage.

The coach is confident that executing the team’s strategy effectively will give the Maidens an opportunity to secure a positive result against Norway.

“We have our game plan and we are going to stick to it,” Adarkwa affirmed.

The technical team has also benefited from the quality of facilities available in Morocco, with the coach praising the pitches and general environment provided for the team’s preparations.

The conditions have helped the players concentrate on their training and work towards achieving the level of performance required to compete against some of the world’s best youth teams.

For Adarkwa, the immediate priority is to ensure his players translate their progress in training into a strong performance when the tournament begins.

Ghana will need to demonstrate discipline, organisation and composure as they seek to make a positive impression in their opening encounter.

Black Maidens target group-stage breakthrough

Beyond the Norway fixture, Adarkwa is determined to make the most of the opportunity to lead Ghana at a tournament he considers a significant milestone in his coaching career.

The Black Maidens’ participation provides a platform for the players to test themselves against international opposition while representing the country on one of the biggest stages in youth football.

“This is a big platform that any coach wants to be on, and I’m happy to have this platform,” he said.

Despite the significance of the occasion, Adarkwa insists the team’s ambitions extend beyond simply participating in the competition.

Ghana’s primary objective is to progress beyond the group stage and continue the tradition of national teams delivering performances that supporters can celebrate.

“Our main focus is to move up from the group stage. We want to follow the same legacy so that Ghanaians will be happy,” he concluded.

With their preparations nearing completion, the Black Maidens will look to turn their progress in Morocco into a strong start against Norway as they begin their quest to advance from the group stage and make Ghana proud.