Myles, Dadson To Spearhead Maidens' Dream

Ghana's Black Maidens making an appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup have 21 players on whose shoulders the responsibility has been placed to make the nation proud at the New Zealand event.

The Maidens arrived in New Zealand, Christchurch to be precise, their group base last Friday to a cordial welcome by the fans who are already aligning themselves to their favourite teams.

The Maidens play their opening game against North Korea tomorrow in what is expected to be a clash of contrasting style but two resilient sides.

Since their appearance at the 2001 Women's World Cup, North Korea has risen to dizzy heights in women's football and comfortably qualified for this competition as winners of the Asia Women's tournament.

On the other hand, the Maidens had to struggle against African giants Nigeria and Cameroun, leaving their qualification late to the very end.

That notwithstanding, the Ghanaians have an enviable high-scoring record, and it is such an asset that they hope to rely on in their quest for honours.

Led by the soft-spoken but hugely talented Mercy Myles, and with top striker Florence Dadson eager to make a name for herself, the Maidens hope to overcome their first hurdle against the North Koreans in the second Group B match. The first will see favourites Germany playing Costa Rica.

The list of the Maidens' final team:

Goalkeepers:Margaret Otoo (Ghatel Ladies Accra), Linda Aboagye (Ash Town Ladies)and Patricia Mantey (Mawuena Ladies).

Defenders: Henrietta Annie (Post Ladies), Edem Atovor (Ghatel Accra), Linda Eshun (Hasmal Ladies), Ellen Coleman(Ghatel, Accra), Mantenn Kobblah (Faith ladies), Priscilla Okine (Sunsport), Rosemary Ampem (Ash Town ladies).

Midfielders: Elizabeth Cudjoe (Hasmal), Juliet Acheampong (Ash Town), Elizabeth Addo (Athleta), Mercy Myles (Nungua Ladies), Abena Ampomah (Ghatel Ladies), Priscilla Saahene (Ash Town).

Forwards: Flo Dadson (Ghatel Cape Coast),Isha Fordjour (La Ladies), Deborah Afriyie (Oforikrom Ladies), Samira Sulemana (Hasmal), Candice Osei-Agyemang (Northwest Nationals USA).

By Rosalind Amoh