Sports News of Saturday, 21 July 2012

Source: supersport.com

Camp woes for Black Princesses

Exactly a month to his team's World Cup opening game, Ghana's national women's under 20 team coach has admitted he has no idea of what is going on with his side. Group D of the Women's World Youth Championships sees Ghana together with Germany, China and USA in Group D but preparations are still in shambles.

"I have to tell you that I do not know what is happening. We have no concrete plans and it's all up there."

There had been hints in the media that the team will embark on a tour in the United States to help the side prepare for their first game against the USA in Hiroshima.

"Our first game is on August 20th and we hope preparations will go well soon. I was told of some prep games to get the ladies' up to speed and ready but I'm yet to hear anything," a flustered Sackey tells SuperSport.com.

Another early crash?

Ghana have participated in one U-20 Women’s World Cup to date, qualifying for the world finals for the first time at Germany 2010. Far from being overawed, the side made an impressive debut as they most notably held Chile 2008-winners USA to a 1-1 draw in their first match of the group phase.

They then second match saw them go down 4-2 against a strong Korea Republic side and, though they rounded off their appearance with a 2-0 defeat of Switzerland, their time in Germany was cut short at the group stage.

Already, Nigeria's Desire Oparanozie is psychologically ready, telling Fifa.com of her dreams.

"We know the pressure is on Nigeria because of our performance at the last World Cup, but we are working towards posting another good outing," declared centre forward , who along with Ebere Orji was the team’s leading scorer with two goals at Germany 2010.

But despite the glaring lack of preparation, the team's star player, Florence Dadson remains optimistic. "We truly hope our plans to go and get some good friendly games because it will help a lot," she told Accra-based Joy FM on Thursday.

"As for the players we are ready to go. We are experienced for the most part and we really want to make our country proud."

Ghana play the States on August 20 and then Germany three days later before finishing the group against China on August 27th.