U-20 Women's World Cup: Black Princesses target winning start against Ecuador, says coach Sampson

Ghana's Black Princesses are ready to begin their FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup campaign with a victory over Ecuador, according to head coach Charles Sampson.

The Black Princesses face Ecuador in Poland on Sunday, 6 September, in the opening match of a group that also includes the Republic of Korea and France.

Sampson said months of preparation had left the squad eager to take to the field and insisted the players were fully focused on making a strong start.

"We've been waiting for this for I can't remember how long, so we just can't wait to be on the field tomorrow," he said.

The coach revealed the team's final training session was deliberately kept light, with an emphasis on set pieces and recovery rather than intensity.

"The girls are ready," he said. "You could see that they are very, very focused. The presence of dignitaries here has also raised their morale."

Sampson admitted the occasion carried personal significance, describing leading Ghana at the tournament as both "a dream" and "a privilege".

He said the team's immediate focus was securing three points in a fixture he believes could shape their campaign.

"We are going in with the intention of winning," he said. "That's the first game we have in the group, and we know that it is very vital."

The coach also urged Ghanaian supporters to continue backing the team throughout the tournament.

"They should continue believing in us and supporting us," he said. "We will do our best and make sure we get what we are looking for."

The Black Princesses are making their eighth appearance at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and are aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time in the country's history.