The Black Princesses of Ghana had a disastrous start in this year's Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Under-20 Women's World Cup, after they were thumped 4-1 by host France at the Stade de la Rabine on Sunday.
The hopes of Ghana's under-20 female side, to go beyond the group stages for the first time at the international level, was dealt a huge blow, following the huge scoreline at the hands of France.
However, there might be some reasons that might have accounted for the awful loss against the 'Les Bluettes', as we seek to make amends ahead of our second group game against the Netherlands.
Inadequate preparation; prior to this year's World Cup, it was evident that the team, had little preparations, as the technical team and the playing body were in a limbo as to Ghana’s participation in the competition, taking into consideration, the crisis that bedeviled Ghana football after the Anas Expose.
Until the intervention of FIFA and Confederation of Africa Football, leading to the formation of the Liaison Team, the team risked participation in the global event.
Prior to this, the team’s scheduled pre-camping in Spain did not materialised due to various challenges and only managed some warm friendlies against local sides ahead of the football showpiece, which was obviously in adequate for the competition.
Fitness level: from inadequate preparations, it was obvious that, it would definitely affect their fitness level. This was exhibited in the in the first game against the host nation. The fitness level of the Black Princess was a major suspect, which largely affected their team work and approach. Fatigue could be seen on the part of the players, as they were often outmuscled by the French counterparts, during the game.
Nervousness; it was obvious that, nervousness also accounted for the Princesses’ loss on the field of play. They lacked confidence and this aroused the nervousness, especially playing against the host.
The Princesses were certainly not up to the task on the match-day as they conceded three goals in the half hour mark, which virtually unsettled them and dented their chances of getting anything from the game.
France's quality: the quality that abounds the French team clearly shows why they are considered tournament’s favourites especially with the likes of Helene Fercocq and Emelyne Laurent leading the attack.
The delightful passing and the ability to cut open the Ghanaian defence, was a superb as they could have scored more goals if not for the heroics of Ghanaian goalkeeper Martha Annan.
Way Forward: The technical team, should psych up the players for the next games against the Netherlands, as anything apart from victory would see them packing out of the competition. There is the need to improve their fitness level and get them girls in a better condition for the huge task.
<<Print>>