Ghana’s Black Princesses set to face Austria in FIFA U-20 omen’s World Cup opener
Ghana’s Black Princesses will kick off their 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a crucial clash against Austria on Monday, September 2, at the El Techo Stadium in Bogotá, Colombia. The West African side has been intensifying preparations since mid-August as they aim to make a strong impression at this year’s prestigious tournament.
Having arrived in Colombia on August 14, the Black Princesses have engaged in a series of high-profile friendlies to sharpen their form.
They battled to a goalless draw against Mexico before sharing the spoils in a 2-2 encounter with South Korea, signaling a determined and resilient squad as they look ahead to their group stage matches.
Head coach Yussif Basigi is leading a fit and focused squad into the tournament, with key players such as captain Stella Nyamekye, Afi Amenyeku, Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah, and Comfort Yeboah ready to bring their experience to the field.
All four players were instrumental in Ghana’s triumph at the African Games in March and are now set to showcase their talent on the world stage.
Despite Ghana’s impressive record of seven consecutive qualifications for the U-20 Women’s World Cup, the team has yet to advance beyond the group stages. Coach Basigi is optimistic that this year could mark a turning point for the Black Princesses.
“Our team is fully prepared for the challenge ahead,” Basigi said in a press conference.
“The preparation games against Mexico and South Korea have boosted the confidence and cohesion within the squad.”
The Black Princesses’ previous performances in the tournament have yielded just one victory in nine matches, and the team is eager to improve on that record in Colombia.
A strong start against Austria in their Group E opener is seen as crucial to advancing further in the competition and breaking their group stage curse.
Ghana’s clash with Austria will take place at 22:00 GMT and is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter.
A positive result could pave the way for the Black Princesses to finally make their mark on the global stage.
With a solid mix of talent, experience, and determination, the team is hoping to seize the opportunity to shine at this year’s tournament and elevate their status in international women’s football.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how the Black Princesses perform, not only for national pride but as a demonstration of the growing strength of African women’s football on the global stage.