Though it’s Ghana’s first appearance at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, the Black Princesses looked like they were heading to an unlikely place at Chile 2008 when they went two goals up against continental queens Nigeria in the final qualifying tie. However, they gave up three goals in that match and lost the second leg to see their dreams crushed. They did manage to qualify for and show quite well at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand that same year, and some of the players from that side should feature at Germany 2010. The full women’s national team, nicknamed the Black Queens, also has an established pedigree, having reached each of the last three FIFA Women’s World Cups.
The present
The Black Princesses proved that they are ready for the world stage in qualifying by dismantling Congo DR, who had been to the last two finals as one of the African representatives. Ghana beat the Lady Leopards 5-0 on aggregate, including a confident two-goal win away in Kinshasa. Earlier in qualifying, their defence remained unbreached as they swept aside Tunisia by a 3-0 aggregate score.
The future
Ghana U-20 women’s coach Kuuku Dadzie is no doubt brimming with confidence after finally reaching the finals, but the side will simply be trying to escape from the group stage in their maiden voyage. And of course, their German experience will help players make the leap to the full national team, who are in the process of qualifying for the 2011 Women’s World Cup.
Facts and figures
Key players
Florence Dadson, Faizer Ibrahim, Elizabeth Cudjoe
Qualifying statistics
Dadson and Ibrahim have combined to form an explosive partnership in attack for Ghana, tallying seven of the side’s eight goals in qualifying with Ibrahim claiming four to Dadson’s three.
The numbers game
0 - The number of goals that Ghana’s defence gave up in four qualifying matches to reach Germany 2010.
source:http://www.fifa.com/u20womensworldcup
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