U20 Women’s World Cup: Unutilised chances costly for Black Princesses, says coach Yussif Basigi

Black Princesses coach Yussif Basigi has admitted that his side’s failure in their opening game against Austria at the U20 Women’s World Cup was due to wasted opportunities.

Austria made a successful debut by beating Ghana 2-1 in their opening match on Monday night at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, Bogota marking another disappointing result and nervy start to their seventh successive appearance at the tournament.

Ghana’s nightmare at the group stage of the U-20 Women’s World Cup did not take long to prevail once again as the team conceded in the early stages of the match from a goal from Hannah Fankhauser who found the back of the net just 12 minutes of the game to set the tone for the debutants.

The goal against Austria was the third-fastest goal the Black Princesses of Ghana have conceded in the opening games at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Fastest goals conceded at U20 World Cup opening games

2018- Emelyne Laurent of France (6 mins)

2022- Michelle Cooler of the United States of America ( 11 mins)

2024- Hannah Fankhauser of Austria ( 12 mins)

In a post-match interview, Basigi admitted that his girls took their foot off the pedal in the early stages of the match but showed good character after conceding the goal.

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— Ghana Women National Teams ???????? (@GhanaWNT) September 3, 2024

“We started the game slowly and getting to the latter part of the first half we started raising our game and for the second half we dominated play when we were down by a goal.

“We didn’t utilise many of our goal-scoring chances which was unfortunate. I think this is where we have to polish very well so that we will be able to be back in contention,’’ he added.

The Black Princesses have been involved in seven opening fixtures at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, with the team winning just once (2014).

The team has scored four goals on opening day and let in 15 goals.

Despite feeling the tension to deliver, Yussif Basigi remains motivated and focused on the team’s next game. The gaffer believes his side is poised to bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures, determined to make a lasting impact and change the narratives of the U-20 on the international stage.

“I wouldn’t say there is no pressure at all because if we had won or drawn this game against Austria, it would’ve given us motivation but now we have no option than to go all out with the remaining two games to go.’’

Ghana face a herculean task on Thursday 5 September 2024 against Asian giants and 2018 champions Japan before they conclude the group stage phase with a tricky test against New Zealand on Sunday 10 September 2024.

Yussif Basigi and his team are still chasing their first point in the tournament since their 1-0 victory over New Zealand in the 2018 group stage, and end their point drought.

Story by Rabbi Adu Agyei

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