Black Maidens To Face Germany In Defining Fixture

After a fine start to the group campaign, attention has completely shifted to the meeting with Germany for Ghana and their coach Augustine Adotey.

Winning the next game at the U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup will grant Ghana, who beat Korea DPR 2-0 in the first match passage to the next round in Costa Rica but the fixture on Tuesday represents a major task for the Black Maidens.

The Germans showed their worth after rallying back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Canada. But Adotey does foresee the game defining who qualifies from Group B.

“Not really,” Adotey said. “Except a win on Tuesday against Germany to ensure that I have qualified because I need only three points to qualify to the next stage.”

At the last World Cup, both teams met in the group stage which the Germans won but in the match for third place, Ghana triumphed to win bronze.

Adotey says it’s a changed side from the one the Black Maidens faced in Azerbaijan two years ago.

“Looking at Germany as compared to the previous edition, this time I saw an all-round new team. Looking at how they played [2-2 draw with Canada], they were down 2-0 but came all the way after 60 minutes to end the game 2-2.”

Though a new side, the striking fightback exhibited by the Germans on Saturday has given the Ghana coach an insight about his next opponents.

“This is an indication that we have to be careful. I am preparing to make sure that Ghana go around Germany.

“I am not worried but it’s good for a coach to always get ready or stand on his or her feet. My first game plan is to keep a clean sheet. If I don’t score, they don’t score.

“Coming all the way to redeem the two goals conceded in the first half, I would take a look at them. I would not rush into goal scoring. My objective is to win this particular game,” the Black Maidens coach said.