The message from Poland is clear. The Black Princesses are not at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup simply to take part, they are there to make history. With their opening game against Ecuador just days away, Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has challenged the team to finally break a long-standing barrier.
Kurt Okraku visited the squad at their training base alongside GFA Chief of Staff Michael Osekre and Dreams FC president Jiji Alifoe. He promised the team continued support and backed them to have enough quality to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
“For me, the first game is the most important,” Kurt Okraku said. “If we start well, chances are that we will do well.”
Ghana have reached the U-20 Women’s World Cup seven times in a row. Yet, despite that remarkable consistency, the Black Princesses have never advanced beyond the group stage.
Kurt Okraku believes the wait must end in Poland. Ghana face Ecuador first, followed by Korea Republic and France, but the GFA president insisted none of the three opponents should be feared.
“These three nations, believe me, are no better than us,” he said. “I believe we have enough quality in this team to win games in this group and to make it to the second round.”
There is also a personal story within Ghana’s campaign. Defender Alexandra Tay is preparing for her second U-20 World Cup after featuring at the 2024 tournament in Colombia.
Tay says that experience has changed her approach. “The experience in Colombia in 2024 really emphasised to me how important it is to focus on each game,” she said.
The centre-back also wants to bring greater calm and leadership to Ghana’s defence. “I try to bring a level of composure and communication to the game,” Tay added.
Now the focus is Ecuador. For Kurt Okraku, it is the first step towards ending 14 years of frustration, while for Tay and her teammates, it is a chance to turn belief into action.
“We want to advance from the group and go as far as we can,” Tay said. “We’re going to make you proud.”
