U-17 WWC: Belief and encouragement helped Black Maidens recover from Norway defeat – Joe Nana Adarkwa

Ghana coach Joe Nana Adarkwa says belief and encouragement helped the Black Maidens recover from their opening defeat to Norway at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Ghana suffered a 3-0 loss to Norway in their opening Group C match, with Adarkwa explaining that the players struggled to adjust to the demands of the tournament.

“Our game against Norway was a bit different because the platform was very new to the girls,” he told FIFA Media.

“They are newcomers; they are young, they didn’t know what to do. So, after the first match, we sat down with them, we talked to them, we encouraged them, and we got back.”

The Black Maidens responded positively in their next game against Brazil, recovering from an early setback to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw in one of the tournament’s most entertaining group-stage encounters.

Ghana fell behind in the seventh minute for the second consecutive match but showed resilience to fight back and take the lead before Brazil eventually secured a share of the points.

Adarkwa said the team’s ability to recover from difficult situations was a reflection of the work done with the players over the past two years.

“In a game situation like this, the opposition can score in a split-second, but you have to recover,” he added.

“We spoke all the time with the players concerning the game and told them that’s how football is. I’ve known them for the past two years, so I know what they can do at any given time.”

Ghana completed their Group C campaign with a 2-0 victory over Canada, securing top spot and a place in the Round of 16.

The Black Maidens will face Argentina at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Wednesday, 28 October, with a victory sending them through to the quarter-finals.

Adarkwa’s side will now look to build on their improved performances in the group stage as they pursue a place in the last eight of the tournament.

Kick-off for the game is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.