Ghana coach Joe Nana Adarkwa says the Black Maidens will adopt a more forceful approach when they face Argentina in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The match on Wednesday will determine which side advances to the quarter-finals, with Ghana aiming to continue their recovery after a difficult start to the tournament.
Ghana lost 3-0 to Norway in their opening Group C fixture but responded with a 3-3 draw against Brazil. They then secured a 2-0 victory over Canada in their final group match to finish as group winners.
Argentina also topped their group and did so without suffering defeat, setting up a demanding knockout tie for the Black Maidens.
Adarkwa says his players will use the performance against Brazil as a foundation, while increasing their intensity against an Argentina side he believes has similarities with their South American neighbours.
“I can see that Argentinians play like Brazilians,” he told FIFA Media.
“We are going to intensify the approach we took against Brazil and push harder. South American teams play like Ghanaians; we always get the ball down and play.”
The Ghana coach also stressed the need for his team to remain focused, with the knockout format leaving no room for recovery after a damaging mistake.
“Because this is the knockout phase, when they score, you have to pack everything and go back home,” he said.
Ghana’s path to the last 16 was secured by their victory over Canada, following the draw with Brazil that revived their campaign after the opening defeat by Norway.
Argentina’s unbeaten group-stage record means they will provide a stern test, but Adarkwa wants his side to maintain an attacking mindset throughout the contest rather than ease off at any stage.
“So we are going to approach this match in a different way, with a different mentality, everything. We are going to push, push, push until the end of the game,” he added.
The Round of 16 tie is scheduled to begin at 15:00 GMT at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, with a quarter-final place at stake.
