Women’s U20 World Cup: Ghana’s rising stars to watch in Colombia

Women’s U20 World Cup: Ghana’s rising stars to watch in Colombia

3 News

Friday 23 Aug 2024 17:55

After an impressive performance at the recently concluded 13th African Games, where the Black Princesses of Ghana won gold in the women’s football category, Yusif Basigi and his ladies have shifted their attention to the prestigious Women’s Under-20 World Cup.

Ghana’s Black Princesses yesterday recorded a goalless draw in a friendly match against Mexico in preparation for the 11th edition of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Colombia from August 31, 2024 to September 22, 2024.

The princesses are in Group E, together with Austria, New Zealand and one-time champions Japan.

Ghana opens the season with an open match in Group E against Austria, before playing New Zealand in the second match and Japan in the final group stage match.

Here are some of Ghana’s rising stars to watch at the Under-20 World Cup.

1. Stella Nyamekye (Dreamz ladies)

Former Black Maidens captain Stella Nyamekye is one of the names set to form Ghana’s midfield at the upcoming Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

Nyamekye started her career with Dreamz Ladies where she led the team to the Ghana Women’s Premier League in 2022 after winning the Ashanti Regional Division One League and finishing runners-up in the Zonal Playoff championship.

In 2023, she was promoted to the Ghana women’s under-20 team, after an incredible spell with the under-17 team.

Stella scored a hat-trick in the U-20s’ 11-0 pre-tournament friendly win over Niger. She was named captain of the team by Yusif Basigi. She was instrumental in the WAFU Zone B tournament, where she scored four goals in Ghana’s 2023 WAFU Zone B U-20 Women’s Cup victory.

Stella Nyamekye struggled with an injury during the African Games, but is now back in the selection. She has recovered from the injury that forced her to withdraw from the African Games in March.

2. Mafia Nyame 19 (SO FAR)

Another name that coach Bazigi could count on is Mafia Nyame. The AS FAR player was crucial for Bazigi and the Black Princesses in their triumph at the 13th African Games. The 19-year-old was part of the Black Princesses squad at the last edition of the World Cup in Costa Rica, where Ghana failed their group test after suffering an early shower in the competition.
Her experience on the world stage and the African Games would be necessary for Ghana’s attack.

Mafia is one of the players who is highly motivated for the tournament and she is very excited to have another chance to go to the World Cup and make her mark.

“It is always an honour to be called up to the national team and serve the nation with all your heart.
“I only played one match as a substitute in Costa Rica and hopefully if I make it to the World Cup this year I will go there and do well to make a mark. I believe this team will survive the group stage for the first time in our history. The technical team is doing their best and taking us through a series of training sessions,” she told ghanafa.org.

3. Alexandra Emefa Tay (Seattle United ECNL)

The Black Princesses have been strengthened in defence with the arrival of US-based defender Alexandra Emefa Tay. The Seattle United ECNL defender’s ability on the ball will be needed in Ghana’s build-up play from the back.

Tay is a strong defender for Seattle United ECNL on the U.S. women’s youth soccer team. She will be a formidable force in Ghana’s defense during the U-20 World Cup alongside Comfort Yeboah.

Ghana’s opponent at the Women’s World Cup is the group stage of the biennial tournament.

Bazigi will be without the services of Abdulai Mukarama but with the likes of Comfort Yeboah, Mary Amponsah, Afi Amenyaku and a number of other big names, Ghana are in safe hands to challenge for the coveted trophy.

Ghana will participate in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup for the seventh time in a row.

From 2010 to 2022, Ghana was stuck in the group stage, winning four of the 18 matches played.

Despite the disappointing performance, the team is confident that it can mark a turning point in the competition this year.

Story of: Rabbi Adu Agyei

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