Black Maidens Prepared to Secure World Cup Ticket
Black Maidens assistant coach Sumani Basiru Deen has expressed confidence that Ghana is fully prepared to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup when they host Senegal in the decisive second leg of their qualifying tie on Saturday.
The winner at the Accra Sports Stadium will book a place at the global tournament in Morocco, with the two sides entering the return fixture level after Ghana fought back to earn a valuable 1-1 draw in Dakar.
Despite the significance of the encounter, Basiru Deen insists the Black Maidens are in excellent condition and mentally ready to deliver the performance required to reach the World Cup.
“There were a few knocks from the first leg, but currently everyone is okay and ready for the match,” he told Citi Sports.
The assistant coach revealed that the technical team has treated every fixture in the qualification campaign with the same level of importance, adding that the players have responded positively throughout their preparations.
“We take every game very seriously, not just this one,” he said.
Basiru Deen also praised the attitude and commitment of the squad, expressing confidence that the players are motivated to complete the task in front of their home supporters.
“These girls have been prepared, and as we speak, they are fully ready. Their motivation and commitment levels are very high, and we believe that tomorrow victory will be ours,” he added.
The Black Maidens head into the contest encouraged by their resilient first-leg display, where they recovered from an early setback to leave the tie evenly poised.
Victory on Saturday would secure Ghana’s place at the 10th edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026, as the Black Maidens look to continue the country’s proud tradition in women’s youth football.
