Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku says the Black Princesses have gained valuable confidence from their 3-1 victory over South Korea ahead of their decisive final Group C match against France at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Ghana recovered strongly from their disappointing 3-0 defeat by Ecuador in their opening game by producing a commanding performance against South Korea at Sosnowiec Arena on Wednesday.
The victory has revived Ghana’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages, with the Black Princesses moving into second place in Group C.
Okraku believes the manner of the win will provide Ghana’s players with an important psychological lift as they prepare for their final group fixture.
“I’m not surprised they won, and they won convincingly,” he said.
The GFA president said the result could give the squad the confidence and energy required for the challenge against France.
“I believe this will give them the needed energy, the needed confidence going into the third group game, and we are all looking forward to another good performance.”
Ghana had dominated large periods of the first half against South Korea but were unable to find a way through before the interval.
Their persistence eventually paid off shortly after half-time, when Sarah Nyarko put the Black Princesses in front in the 53rd minute.
Nyarko combined with captain Priscilla Mensah and Agnes Owusu before calmly finishing the move to give Ghana the lead.
The Black Princesses quickly increased their advantage. Two minutes after Nyarko’s opener, Ivy Owusu Ansah produced a spectacular long-range effort that flew into the top-right corner.
That goal put Ghana firmly in control and continued a remarkable turnaround following their heavy defeat by Ecuador in their first match.
Ruth Amponsah then added Ghana’s third goal in the 84th minute to effectively settle the contest.
South Korea managed to score a late consolation, but Ghana held on to claim a 3-1 victory.
The result was particularly significant because it ended the Black Princesses’ seven-match winless run at the tournament.
It also moved Ghana into second place in Group C and put the team in a strong position going into their final group game.
Okraku said the mood within the Ghana camp was positive following the victory and praised the players for their response to the opening defeat.
“To be honest, the girls are happy. Everything is on course,” Okraku added.
He also highlighted the motivation he has seen from the squad, saying the players had responded to the setback against Ecuador in a manner that had pleased him.
“They are extremely motivated. For me, what I call natural motivation is very evident in whatever they are doing, and it is something that excites me.”
The Black Princesses now turn their attention to France, knowing that the final Group C match will determine whether they progress to the next stage of the competition.
Ghana will go into the encounter with the advantage of knowing that avoiding defeat will be enough to secure a place in the knockout round.
The victory over South Korea has therefore transformed Ghana’s position in the group after their difficult opening match.
Having been beaten 3-0 by Ecuador, the Black Princesses responded with three goals against South Korea and secured the result required to keep their campaign alive.
Okraku believes that recovery can provide the foundation for another strong performance when Ghana face France.
With qualification within reach, the Black Princesses will now look to turn their renewed confidence into another positive result and secure their place in the knockout stages of the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
