Princesses chase second round berth

Ghana will be attempting to reach the second qualifying round of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup when they play Namibia on Saturday.

The Black Princesses hammered the Young Gladiators 7-0 in the first leg match in the first qualifying round a fortnight ago in Accra.


Namibia have been playing down the strength of their side ahead of the game, claiming injuries to the team already trailing by such a wide margin.


But Black Princesses coach Robert Sackey is determined to finish off the tie at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek and set his sights on the next round.


"We don't need to get complacent as that can see us lose by a margin that might not eliminate us but rather dampen our spirits," Sackey told www.ghanafa.org.


Though Sackey has the advantage, his opposite member, Jacqueline Shipanga hopes that an improved performance in front of their fans will at least yield a consolatory victory for the Young Gladiators.


"It is a game we have to win at home," Shipanga said after authorities announced that entry to the game is free.

"We don't rely on individual brilliance, but teamwork and on Saturday we will see that on the pitch", she added as her team prepared for the game minus star player Tomalina Adams, who was held up by her pre-season commitments with her German club.


The Young Gladiators also have Anuscka Meyer, Scholastica Ndara, Jane Toivo and Eddelissingh Naris missing through injuries.


With a good result from the first leg, Ghana are hoping to keep a clean sheet to progress in the qualifiers.


"We don't want to concede a goal over the two legs," Black Princesses coach, Sackey said.


Ghana are chasing a place in the finals to be hosted by Japan in what could be their second finals after their debut in Germany 2010.