FIFA Under-20 World Cup: Princesses off to Canada

Ghana’s Black Princesses yesterday left Accra for Canada to round off their preparations for next month’s FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup to be staged in that country from August 5 to 24.

A 23-player contingent and officials are expected to spend the next three weeks to prepare for their third WWC appearance.

Bashir Hayford, head coach of the Princesses, said after several months preparing in Ghana, it was important to step up the team’s preparation and described the trip to Canada as “very useful”.

“I’m happy with the team’s preparations so far, but it is important to psychologically prepare them and give them the needed exposure,” Coach Hayford told the Daily Graphic.

He said even though the 23 players selected were good, nobody’s place was assured as only 21 will eventually make it to the tournament.

“The three weeks in Canada will be the decisive point for all the players. No individual place is assured. 

The coach is expected to name his final list by July 24.

Drawn in Group A, alongside hosts, Canada, North Korea and Finland, the Princesses will play the opening game against Canada on August 5.

The shortlisted players are:

Goalkeepers: Beatrice Ntiwaa Nketia (Hasaacas Ladies), Victoria Agyei Antwi (Fabulous Ladies), Rose Teye Baah (Samira Ladies)

Defenders: Rebecca Asante (Reformers), Edem Atovor (Lady Strikers), Faustina Ampah (Blessed Ladies), Grace Adams (Reformers), Cynthia Boakye Yiadom (Fabulous Ladies), Rita Darko (Mawuena Ladies), Linda Smith (Lady Strikers), Ellen Coleman (Lady Strikers)

Midfielders: Rasheeda Abdul-Rahman (Lepo Ladies), Fatima Alhassan (Hasaacas Ladies), Priscilla Okyere (Fabulous Ladies), Jennifer Cudjoe (Hasaacas Ladies), Alice Kusi (Fabulous Ladies)

Wingers: Wasila Diwura-Soale (Hasaacas Ladies), Alberta Asante (La Ladies), Sherifatu Sumaila (Lepo Ladies), Alice Eva Danso (Police Ladies)

Forwards: Veronica Appiah (Hasaacas Ladies), Christiana Boateng (Inter Royals), Theresa Ackon-Cobbinah (Bafana Ladies),