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U-20 Women's World Cup: Black Princesses coach Sampson confident Ghana can reach historic knockout stage

  Sat, 12 Sep 2026
Women Football U-20 Womens World Cup: Black Princesses coach Sampson confident Ghana can reach historic knockout stage
SAT, 12 SEP 2026

Black Princesses head coach Charles Sampson says Ghana are ready to handle the pressure as they target a historic place in the knockout stage of the U-20 Women's World Cup.

Ghana have three points from their opening two Group C matches and know victory against France on Saturday will secure their place in the last 16 for the first time in the team's history.

The Black Princesses will face France at the Arena Sosnowiec, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

Sampson says his players have responded well in training and are prepared for the challenge.

"The energy was up again; the girls are ready. This practice was just tactical, about how we want to play," he said.

"Yesterday, the response was very good as well, and so we are ready.

"We know what pressure entails and that's what we've always been preparing for, so now it's just up to us to go out and deliver."

Sampson expects a tactical battle against France but believes Ghana can exploit their physical and technical strengths.

"I see the French team as almost a bit similar to us when it comes to technique, but tactically they play a little bit of a low, mid-block and that is to deceive you to feel more comfortable and come up so they can use the spaces behind," he said.

"Those are the things we will be mindful of. We also know that in terms of physicality, technique and speed, we are a bit ahead of them and we're going to try to use that as an advantage."

The Ghana coach says his side's objective is clear: to control the game and secure the victory they need to make history.

"Our expectation going into this game is to be able to dominate and win the game," Sampson added.

Ghana have qualified for every edition of the U-20 Women's World Cup since 2008 but have never progressed beyond the group stage.

A win over France would therefore mark a significant milestone for the Black Princesses and give them their first-ever appearance in the knockout phase.

Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah
Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah

Sports Journalist and WriterPage: samuel-ekow-amoasi-appiah

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