FIFA U-20 World Cup draw: Princesses hopeful
Ghana's Black Princesses have described as very tough the 2016 FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup (WWC) draw from which they will contest the group stages at the Papua New Guinea tournament, but insist qualifying from that group is not an imposibility.
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Last Friday's draw for the October 28 to November 16 tournament pitched Ghana's Princesses against three-times champions, USA, France and New Zealand in Group C, and most observers believe, the presence of particularly, the Americans and the Europeans, considered giants in the women's game, condemns the Princesses to an early exit from the competition, as they have never gone past the group stage since their debut in 2010.
However, the chairman of the Princesses’ management committee, Nanabanyin Eysion, insists good planning and preparations should see his side advance from the group stage for the first time in their four-time appearance.
"Of course, any group with multiple champions, USA and giants, France gives reason for concern, considering their pedigree, but we can also make the most of the situation.
His optimism is emphasised by the technical director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Francis Oti Akenteng, who believes the Princesses can strategise to navigate their way out of this 'dicey' Group C.
"It is no doubt a tricky draw for the Princesses, but I believe they can come out with a plan to survive. The giants and champions always have the edge, but there is always a first time for the giants to be conquered and this could be the year," Coach Akenteng said.
The Princesses, will in the coming days, know which coach will lead them to the Papua New Guinea tournament as their stand-in coach, Masa-Ud Didi Dramani, has now been appointed the coach of the male team, the Black Satellites.
Dramani, who led the Under-17 side, the Maidens to their bronze medal feat at the 2012 competition in Azerbaijan, was brought in as replacement for Bashir Hayford after Ashgold asked him to concentrate on his club duties.
Dramani led the Princesses to qualify but it is unclear if he will remain in charge for the 2016 WWC.