GHANA's Black Maidens after suffering their first loss at the ongoing Women's World Cup in Costa Rica, say they have overcome that loss and are focused on tomorrow’s quarter-final game against Italy.
The Maidens, who began their campaign on a perfect note, picking up the first quarter-final ticket with wins against North Korea (2-0) and Germany (1-0), were, however, beaten 1-2 by Canada in the final Group B game last Saturday.
Coach Evans Adotey blamed that loss on a slow start for his charges and the lack of concentration as they knew they had already qualified. However, he has reminded them that tomorrow's game is one without a second chance and that they will have to win or it will be over for them.
“Our mission of going all the way to the final and possibly winning the cup is yet to be accomplished and the girls have been reminded of that. What happened against Canada is past and gone. They have to get back on track with our mission. Thankfully, many of the players were also in Azerbaijan so they clearly understand the stakes,” Coach Adotey told the Graphic Sports in an interview.
The man who was an assistant coach when the Maidens won the bronze two years ago in Azerbaijan, said he has the game plan all worked out and have used the three rest days to study the Italians who qualified with wins against Zambia (2-0) and hosts, Costa Rica (1-0).
“Once they won and advanced from their group means they are title contenders and must be taken seriously. We have a record to protect and that will be our motivation when we play the Italians on Thursday,” Coach Adotey said of the game.
He also hinted that he was going to stick to the winning team as the changes he made during the Canada game did not work according to plan.
“No doubt the players are good but I think the plan is always to stick to the winning team and then bring in fresh limbs when the job is done and victory completed,” Coach Adotey said.
Against Canada, Coach Adotey rested Naomi Anima and introduced Kate Adu-Agyemang, as well as Kubrah Abubakari replacing Samira Abdul-Rahman, while Princella Adubea had a starting role instead of two-goal hero, Sandra Owusu-Ansah. These changes did not yield much results, compelling Coach Adotey to bring on Owusu-Ansah who got the consolation goal.
With the stakes higher in tomorrow's game, there will be no gambling and expect Coach Adotey to stick to his 4-3-2-1 game plan with Jane Ayieyam spearheading the Maidens attack.
The line up is likely to be this: Azume Adams, Gladys Amfobea, Naomi Anima, Amina Fuseini, Belinda Anane, Ernestina Abambila, Lily Niber-Lawrence, Samira Abdul-Rahman, Jane Ayieyam, Laadi Issaka and Sandra Owusu-Ansah.
