Princesses duo hopeful of success in Canada

A third consecutive finals at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup could represent Ghana's best opportunity to take on the world.

Two years ago in Japan, the Black Princesses, with one of the youngest squads could not get past the group stages.

However, as they prepare for next month's World Cup in Canada, coach Bashir Hayford will be able to count on a more experienced side as Ghana seek to improve on their past appearances and go beyond the group stages.

For Grace Adams and Alice Danso, who both could be returning to the U-20 finals for the second time, they remain confident Ghana can do better this time around.

The duo have twice before played on the world stage. They were in the Ghana U-17 team at the world championships in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010 and then two years later represented their country at the U-20 finals in Japan.

“I certainly think we have a team that can go far,” said Adams.

“I think we can go very far if things go our way. We are strong enough to come home with the trophy. We have been training very hard for the tournament in Canada, and I do not think that having played just two matches in the qualifiers will give us less chance of being successful at the finals.

“By the time we arrive in Canada, we will have played several friendly matches and will be at our best. I am sure that we will be a competitive side in Canada and even though it is a difficult group, we can go through to the next round.”

Ghana have been drawn with hosts Canada in Group A alongside Finland and former champions Korea DPR.

“We have been preparing very well for the tournament," Danso, the vice-captain of the Black Princesses said.

"We are getting all the support we need, and I am sure that when the competition starts in Canada, we will be ready.”

“We know that we are in a strong group and that the game against Canada will be very tough. They are the hosts, and we know how they play. They are a physical side and we will have to be at our best if we want to beat them.”

The Black Princesses and the hosts will contest the tournament's opening match, on 5 August at Toronto's National Stadium.

The World Cup will be played out between 5 and 24 August.