Maidens Remain Optimistic About Chances Against Costa Rica

Ghana's Black Maidens are still defiant they will overcome a tight Group B and make it to the next stage of the on-going FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup being staged in New Zealand.

Last Saturday, the Maidens lost 2-3 to Germany in their second group match and have been pushed to the 'must win' final group game against Costa Rica if they are to make it to the next round while praying that the North Koreans falter against Germany in the other group game.

Despite this tricky assignment, the Maidens insist they can make it as they intend to go all out against Costa Rica.

“At this point, the girls know what is at stake. It's either a win or we are on way back home. We came with a mission and that has not been achieved yet so we must fight on,” Coach Abrahams Allotey told the Graphic Sports in a telephone interview.

“Remember we have been in that situation before especially during the qualifiers and we know what that feeling is and fortunately, we also know how to rise to the occasion.

Psychologically, we have prepared them and we only hope that they are able to work as hard against Costa Rica.”

While praising his team for their good work Coach Allotey said they still had some way to go and expressed the hope that against Costa Rica, they will get everything working according to their game plan and tactics.

He said they had committed some mistakes especially in their defense as well as in attack and had used the last few days to correct them so as to have a good win against Costa Rica.

“Having lost to the other group contenders, the Costa Ricans will be coming up strongly against us. We have not played badly and must also be up against them. We are determined to make and we will motivate ourselves to win convincingly as the group looks to be decided on goals,” Coach Allotey said.

Story by Rosalind Amoh