5-Star Princesses make explosive start

GHANA’s Under-20 female football team, Black Princesses, have put their best foot forward in the 2018 Women’s World Cup (WWC) qualifying campaign after thrashing Algeria 5-0 in their opening game last Friday.

Goals from Grace Asantewaa, Sandra Owusu-Ansah, Helena Obeng and a brace from Olivia Anokye in their first round, first leg game in Algiers comfortable cushion for the Princesses when they host the return leg on September 30.

Before the game, Coach Yusif Basigi, leading his first WWC campaign, had promised to return home with a comfortable result so as to ease the pressure on them in the return leg, Yesterday told the Graphic Sports that the 5-0 scoreline was flattery as his charges had to fight very hard for the victory.

“It looks good on paper, but it did not come easy as many people would think. The Algerians are a good side, but we had experience and exposure on our side, and that made the difference,” Coach Basigi said.

“We set out to get a result that will not put us under pressure in the second leg. Thankfully, the girls got the job done and we can return home and prepare for the second leg.

“I can be satisfied because being my first World Cup assignment, I was anxious to get a good start, and I’m relieved it went well. But it is just the beginning, we will have to keep improving game after game until the qualifiers are over,” Coach Basigi admitted.