Black Princesses coach praises team's resilience after qualification

In the FIFA U20 WWC Qualifiers, Black Princesses coach Charles Sampson expressed immense pride in his team following their qualification for the 2026 U20 Women’s World Cup, after defeating Uganda. Ghana overcame an early deficit to triumph 2-1 in Accra, and then managed a resilient 1-1 draw in Kampala, all while playing most of the match with ten players after Margaret Agyaponmaa was sent off in the 68th minute. Despite the setback, Linda Owusa Ansah’s late goal in the 78th minute secured the draw, propelling Ghana to Poland.

Sampson stated, "The girls showed a lot of character, a lot of resilience and willingness beyond the normal. I am so, so proud of them. Proud of the team and how they have been able to qualify." He highlighted the significance of overcoming challenges, particularly the red card incident, indicating that such fortitude defined their qualification journey. The coach emphasized that he was immensely impressed with this group's capability to confront adversity and still succeed.

As the Black Princesses prepare for their tenth World Cup appearance, Coach Sampson looks toward building a team that can advance beyond the group stages, a goal that has eluded them in past tournaments. His acknowledgment of the team's determination underscores his commitment to fostering a competitive spirit in preparation for the international stage.