U-20 Women's World Cup: Black Princesses must beat France to qualify, says Charles Sampson

Ghana U20 women's coach Charles Sampson says the Black Princesses remain firmly focused on their original target of reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup, insisting victory over South Korea has not changed the task ahead.

The Black Princesses kept their qualification hopes alive with an impressive 3-1 victory over South Korea after opening their campaign with defeat, leaving them needing a positive result against France in their final Group match.

Sampson said his side always knew they would have to win their remaining two games after losing the opener and believes nothing has changed despite Wednesday's confidence-boosting performance.

"Nothing has changed," he told 3Sports.
"After losing the first game, we knew that we had to win the next two games to be able to qualify."

The Ghana coach also dismissed concerns about injuries, saying his squad's strength lies in its collective spirit rather than individual brilliance.

"Unfortunately, when it comes to injuries, there are things that can go wrong. You just pray and hope that they don't come your way," he said.

"This group has been challenged with many different things, and that's one thing that is our strength. The team is not based on one person's performance."

Sampson expressed confidence that his players would adapt to any setbacks should they arise during the tournament.

"One way or the other, we'll find a way. But we hope that this time in the World Cup, any upsets won't come out."

Attention has now turned to Saturday's decisive clash with France, a side Sampson says Ghana have already analysed in detail.

"We have already seen them play," he said.

"So now we are preparing ourselves to focus on areas to be able to beat them and then qualify for the next game."

The Black Princesses face France at Arena Sosnowiec in Poland on Saturday, 12 September, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 GMT.