Black Maidens assistant coach Bashiru-Deen Sumaila says Ghana are fully prepared for their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Round of 16 tie against Argentina.
Sumaila believes the team has learned from its opening matches and used those experiences to improve its preparations for the knockout stage.
Ghana’s defeat by Norway provided important lessons for both the coaching staff and the players, he said.
“It woke up both the technical staff and the playing body,” Sumaila explained.
The assistant coach added that the team had since worked to address its weaknesses and develop a different approach for the remainder of the tournament.
“We could have won the game, but we missed a lot of chances,” he said.
Improving Ghana’s finishing became a key focus for the technical team, with the players urged to make more of the opportunities they create.
That work was rewarded in the Black Maidens’ next match, when they beat Canada 2-0 to keep their tournament hopes alive. Sumaila attributed that victory to the players’ hard work and the team’s tactical preparation.
Attention has now turned to Argentina, with Ghana’s technical staff conducting detailed video analysis sessions alongside the squad.
“We’ve watched Argentina. We had the time to have the girls watch whatever is supposed to be done, what they need to work around, and what we have to be very careful of,” Sumaila said.
He said the players had been briefed on the importance of maintaining tactical discipline and concentration throughout the match, while also ensuring Argentina are not allowed to take advantage of their chances.
Sumaila did not disclose the specific details of Ghana’s plan, but confirmed that the team had prepared with Argentina’s strengths in mind.
“We’ve worked around their strength,” he said.
The assistant coach also expressed confidence in the squad’s state of mind ahead of the decisive fixture, insisting the players are ready for the challenge.
“The girls are very poised and ready for the game,” he said.
“Tomorrow is going to be a very good game, and we will win. We are going to give our best tomorrow, and success shall be ours.”