FIFA U-20 WWCQ: Black Princesses coach Charles Simpson elated after win over South Africa in return leg
Black Princesses head coach Charles Simpson has spoken of immense pride and relief after his side progressed to the next round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana’s U-20 female team laid the foundation with a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, before travelling to South Africa for the return fixture on Saturday.
A composed second-half strike from Priscilla Mensah at the Mbombela Stadium proved decisive, sealing qualification for the Black Princesses.
Speaking after the match, Simpson admitted the journey to qualification had been far from straightforward.
"The mood is unbelievable. You could see a lot of emotions, even in me. Jus because the sort of challenges we had in this particular camp was huge," he said after the game.
"And to come out of that and come and win here and qualify for the next round and so we are so so happy," he added.
The Black Princesses will now face Uganda in the final qualifying round after the East Africans edged out Zambia. The winner of the two-legged tie will book a place at the World Cup, scheduled to be staged later this year in Poland.
Ghana boast a strong pedigree at the tournament, having featured in every edition of the U-20 Women’s World Cup since 2010. Victory over Uganda would see the Black Princesses secure qualification for an eighth consecutive appearance on the global stage.