U-20 Women’s World Cup: ‘I’m motivated and prepared to face the task ahead – Yussif Basigi

The Ghana u-20 side begin their seventh appearance in the U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign later tonight against debutants Austria at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, Bogota Colombia.

After a noteworthy performance at the continent level where the Princesses settled for gold in the women’s football category, Basigi and his ladies shift gears toward the world’s prestigious U-20 women’s football tournament, the 11th edition of the women’s u-20 World Cup which kick-started from 31 August 2024 and will end 22 September 2024 in Colombia.

The Black Princesses would be aiming for a perfect start against the debutants in their opening game to ease some pressure in their quest to accomplish their first mission in this year’s World Cup tournament (Group stage hurdle).

After making their debut in the 2010 u-20 Women’s World Cup, the Princesses have failed to progress from the Group stages in their last six appearances, an unwanted streak Basigi and his ladies would be hoping to end in this year’s edition.

The former Hasaacas Ladies boss said his motivation levels are sky-high and he is all set to give his best shot on the world stage.

“There is no pressure on me, I’m highly motivated to take part in this World Cup and my second edition as a coach so I’m highly motivated. I look cool because it is not every coach that gets this opportunity so when you get it you have to utilize it very well.”

Since their debut in the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2010, the Black Princesses have played 18 games in the competition, they have only won just four while they have suffered 11 defeats and drawn three and they would be aspiring to secure their 5th win at the international stage tonight against Austria.

Yussif Basigi further sought the backing of Ghanaians and shared some words of praise for the GFA and the government of Ghana for their immense support.

“We need their prayers and we need their support as usual and I know Ghanaians are going to support us in every aspect that we are expecting. The government and the FA have really supported us right from day 1 of our camping till date. And I will say that we thank them very much for the kind of support they have given us and they are still giving us as they here with their representative to find out if we have any challenges so that they will attend to us.”

After being trapped in the group stages from 2010 to 2022 in their last six consecutive appearances on the world stage, the Black Princesses remain convinced of altering the narrative in this year’s tournament and they would need to do so with nothing but a win against the debutants, Austria later tonight.

Ghana will also lock horns with 2018 champions, Japan on Thursday in their second group-stage match before completing the group-stage hurdle on Sunday against New Zealand.