The Ghana Black Maidens are set to return to competitive action two years after their ban for age cheating during the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, which also saw them fined $100,000.
The new U-17 Women’s National team has been diligently preparing at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence ahead of the maiden edition of the WAFU Zone B U-17 Girls Cup.
The tournament, initially set to feature seven countries—host Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo—has been reduced to five participants following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso and Togo.
The Girls’ Cup offers a platform for players to showcase their talent and embrace sportsmanship.
Currently managed by Oduro Sarfo, the Black Maidens are under the guidance of Ampem Darkoa Head Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa. Initially drawn in Group A alongside Burkina Faso and Benin, Ghana will now face only Benin due to Burkina Faso’s withdrawal.
Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa expressed confidence in the team’s chances, saying, “With this new appointment, we will do our best to help the nation in this tournament.”
Team captain Abesik Latifa, one of the final 20 players selected from an initial pool of over 100, shared her excitement: “I am happy to be part of the team, and I hope that through hard work and togetherness, we will deliver the trophy.”
The competition is set to kick off on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence.
By Lawrencia Akosua Adjei
