The Ghanaian U20 Women’s National team, popularly known as the Black Princesses, have departed from Accra for South Africa, embarking on a high-stakes journey for the second leg of their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier. The team, comprising 20 players and technical staff, left late on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, setting the stage for a decisive encounter this Saturday, February 14, at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
The Princesses face an uphill battle after a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium. Despite taking a commanding two-goal lead through Agnes Yeboah and Linda Owusu Ansah, South Africa’s Basetsana staged a resilient comeback, twice equalizing to leave the tie finely balanced. This result means Ghana must now secure a win on South African soil to keep their hopes of qualifying for the tournament in Poland alive.
A Familiar Foe:
Ghana and South Africa are no strangers on the pitch, with both teams showcasing strong performances in the qualifiers. The Black Princesses had a strong run, winning 4-0 on aggregate against Tunisia in the previous round. South Africa, meanwhile, emphatically defeated Eswatini 9-0 over two legs to reach this stage, demonstrating their attacking prowess.
Coach’s Confidence & Challenges
Black Princesses head coach Charles Sampson has expressed confidence in his team’s mental fortitude for the crucial away fixture. However, Ghana is missing key players, including top scorer Mercy Attobrah due to an ACL injury, and Mary Amponsah. Despite these setbacks, Sampson remains optimistic, emphasizing the team’s objective to reach the World Cup.
Historic Streak on the Line
Ghana is aiming for their eighth consecutive appearance at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. This consistent qualification record is a source of national pride, and the team is determined to continue this impressive streak.
The Decisive Second Leg
The return match on Saturday is not just about advancing to the next round; it’s about national pride and showcasing the growing strength of women’s football in Ghana and across Africa. The winner of this tie will advance to face either Zambia or Uganda in the final qualifying round.
The Black Princesses will be looking to regroup, deliver a disciplined performance, and overcome the challenge posed by South Africa to secure their ticket to Poland 2026.
By: Andrews Addotey
