WAFU Champions League: Basigi names strong, experienced Hasaacas Ladies squad

Hasaacas Ladies’ coach, Yussif Basigi has described his final squad for the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B Champions League as ‘experienced and strong enough to challenge for a slot from the sub-regional competition to qualify for the main tournament in Cairo.

In naming his 20 players who will represent Hasaacas at the tournament which starts in Abidjan on April 24, Coach Basigi has kept faith with the team that won the Ghana Women’s Premier League and the FA Cup this season.

The only new faces on the team are the new signings, Northern Ladies’ striker, Rahama Jafar and defender Lauratu Issaka poached from Mfantsiman Royals, a division one side in Cape Coast.

• The squad

In line with the requirement of international tournaments, the 20 players are made up of two goalkeepers, led by the Best goalkeeper of the season, Grace Banwa and Faustina Nyamekye; six defenders, to be marshalled by the evergreen Janet Egyir; six midfielders and six attackers.

• Goalkeepers: Grace Baanwa, Faustina Nyamekye,
• Defenders: Janet Egyir, Regina Antwi, Queenabel Amankrah, Francisca Asante, Vida Ofori, Lauratu Issaka,
• Midfielders: Comfort Owusu, Faustina Nyame Aidoo, Azumah Bugre, Perpetual Agyekum, Evelyn Badu, Doreen Copson
• Attackers: Doris Boaduwaa, Milot Abena Pokua, Veronica Appiah, Lily Niber Lawrence, Jafaru Rahma, Success Amenya

Speaking briefly to GraphicSportsOnline before the team departed for Abidjan on Thursday, Coach Basigi said they had been selected because “they have both the exposure and experience when it comes to competing at the international level.”

“These are the players who have been consistent and helped to win the double this season.

“Besides, almost all of them, due to their stint with the various national teams, have the exposure and experience required to play on at that level,” he said.

The team, scheduled to leave by road for Abidjan today, will play their opening Group B game against Nigeria’s River Angels on the evening of Saturday, July 24.

After the opening game, they will play their second and final group game against AS Police du Niamey from Niger on July 30.

To help them adapt to the artificial pitch and playing in the evenings, they trained held all their training sessions this week in the evenings and under the floodlights at the McDan La Town Park.

Last Wednesday, the management of Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi feted the team as part of its efforts to motivate the team and wish them well.

Meanwhile, the team continues to receive donations and support.

Last Tuesday, the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) presented an amount of GH¢9,000 to the team.

The Head of Player Relations of PFAG, Yusif Chibsah who made the presentation on behalf of the association, encouraged the team to go all out and make themselves and Ghana proud at the competition.

“This is to let you know that the entire playing body and the nation are behind you. We have no doubt that you will strive to qualify for the main tournament,” he said.

Also, the Women’s Premier League Management Committee (WPLMC) before the team’s departure, presented water and fruits to the team.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mrs Hillary Boaten, urged the team to give of their best and prove their mettle by claiming a slot to Cairo.

“You are Ghana’s doubles champions for this season and that means you’re the best, that also has to reflect in your performance in Abidjan.

“You can be assured of our unflinching support all through the tournament,” she said.