2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship: We are psychologically and physically ready for Burkina Faso game - Maxwell Konadu

Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has expressed confidence that his side is mentally and physically prepared for Thursday's crucial Group B clash against Burkina Faso at the ongoing 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship.

Ghana will take on Burkina Faso at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, seeking to revive their campaign after suffering a 4-2 defeat to Nigeria in their opening fixture on Monday.

Addressing the media ahead of the encounter, Konadu said his technical team has worked extensively to help the players move on from the disappointing start, insisting the focus is now firmly on securing a positive result.

"We have prepared the boys psychologically and physically for tomorrow's encounter. What happened on Monday, we've kept that behind us. It's past and gone. There is nothing we can do about it. The assignment ahead of us is important and crucial for all of us," he said.

The experienced trainer revealed that Ghana's tactical approach will centre on maximising their strengths, particularly in the wide areas, while remaining disciplined defensively when under pressure.

"We told the boys to keep more circulation to our advantage where we're strong at, especially in the wide areas. We need to exploit those areas very well."

He also admitted that several members of the squad were making their debut at the tournament and struggled with nerves during the opening match, but believes they have now settled and are ready to respond.

"We told the boys to keep more circulation to our advantage where we're strong at, especially in the wide areas. We need to exploit those areas very well."

Konadu acknowledged the quality within the Burkina Faso team but believes Ghana have identified areas they can exploit to gain the upper hand.

"They progress the ball well, and they have some quality in their team, but so do we. It's about not allowing them to have their way deep in midfield. We know they are not as strong in the wide areas, and we have to be cautious of their two attacking forwards. We have to manage them well, isolate them and play our game."

Despite Burkina Faso's physical and aggressive style, the former Asante Kotoko coach remains optimistic that the Black Satellites are fully prepared for the challenge.

"They have quality, there is no doubt about it, and they play with so much aggression, which we're aware of. But we've prepared the boys psychologically and tomorrow will be a completely different ball game," he added.

Kick-off at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium is scheduled for 18:00 GMT, with Ghana needing victory to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.