The Black Princesses trained at Stade Lat Dior in Thies on Friday ahead of their final round 1st leg final round FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Senegal on Saturday.
Black Princesses Coach Yussif Basigi gives an update on preparation, new players and making it to another FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
The full transcript is below:
On Weather:
The weather has been good except that it changes later in the evening and tomorrow’s game is around that same time but the team is ready regardless of the condition.
On injuries
There is no injury concern and with the hard-working medical staff, they have assured us of no injury concern. The enthusiasm is very high and the girls are willing and match ready which is also very important.
On pressure to win
There is no pressure knowing this is the last game. We know what it takes to qualify to the World Cup and when you have a good team, you don’t put yourself under pressure. The players and team know the importance of qualifying. Only few players have been to the World Cup and the rest are hungry to play at the highest level. They don’t need much motivation from me as they are self-motivated which is very good.
On new players and adaptation
The new players who joined have jelled into the team well. Three of them have been in the system except for Persis who is totally new but she is bonding well with the team. The more sociable players are helping her to adjust quickly since she is a bit shy but she is coping very well.
On mission in Senegal
We are in Senegal with the intention of qualifying here and that means we are not looking back. We need the support of Ghanaians as usual and with their spirit behind the team, we will be able to achieve our target.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Thies Stade Lat Dior with the 2nd leg scheduled for the Baba Yara Sports stadium on Sunday, January 21, 2024.
Source: GFA