Ghana’s U-17 women’s head coach, Joe Nana Adarkwa, has urged caution and focus despite his side’s emphatic victory over Togo, insisting the dominant scoreline should not be mistaken for an easy contest.
The Black Maidens secured qualification to the next round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in style, hammering Togo 6-0 in Accra to seal an 8-0 aggregate triumph.
The performance followed an earlier 2-0 away win in the first leg, where Priscilla Mensah’s brace had already put Ghana firmly in control of the tie.
While the results across both legs painted a picture of total dominance, Adarkwa has stepped in quickly to challenge that perception, stressing that his side had to remain disciplined and professional to achieve such an outcome.
In an interview on Monday he reiterated this stance acknowledging Togo were tough opponent despite the big win.
“Togo were not walkovers. The scoreline makes it look comfortable, but they are a well-organized side. We had to prepare very well and take both matches seriously to get this result.”
Joe Nana Adarkwa, Head Coach of the Black Maidens
That seriousness was evident in the Maidens’ approach. As seen in both legs, Ghana combined structure with attacking intent, ensuring that their first-leg advantage was not merely protected but emphatically extended in front of their home fans.
Balancing Football and Education
Apart from the results on the pitch, Adarkwa highlighted the unique composition of his squad, pointing out that many of the players are still developing both as footballers and as students.
“This is a team dominated by Division One players, and most of them are school girls. That tells you there is still a lot of growth ahead, but also that they are showing great potential.”
Joe Nana Adarkwa
Managing that balance has required deliberate decisions from the technical team. According to the coach, some players were “released from camp to focus on their academic responsibilities“, particularly those preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
“Education is very important. Those preparing for their exams were asked to go and focus fully on that because we believe their future goes beyond football. We want them to succeed in both areas.”
Joe Nana Adarkwa
The coach also addressed the need for strict discipline within the current setup, especially in light of the team’s past challenges.
Ghana’s absence from recent FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup tournaments has been partly linked to issues surrounding age eligibility, and Adarkwa made it clear that lessons have been learned.
“We are being very careful because of the previous ban. Everything we are doing now is with discipline and transparency. We want to build a team that people can trust and believe in.”
Joe Nana Adarkwa
Eyes on Liberia Challenge
With the Togo hurdle cleared, attention now shifts to the next round, where Ghana will face Liberia in May. Liberia made it to the second round after getting a pass over Libya who pulled out of the qualifiers.
Coach Adarkwa insists the focus has already turned to that fixture, with preparations beginning almost immediately at the Ghanaman Soccer of Excellence in Prampram.
“We will continue to work hard to be able to eliminate Liberia in the next round. The competition is getting tougher, so we cannot afford to relax.”
Joe Nana Adarkwa, Black Maidens head coach
In line with that approach, the team is expected to resume training shortly, with Nana Adarkwa adding that “The girls will resume training on Thursday.”
The coach also made sure to acknowledge the role played by supporters in the team’s success. Though attendance at the Accra Sports Stadium was very low, the atmosphere during the second-leg clash in Accra provided a significant boost, and Adarkwa expressed gratitude to those who turned up to back the team.
“I want to thank the fans for their support, especially GHANSU. They were fantastic and really encouraged the girls throughout the game. That kind of support makes a big difference.”
Joe Nana Adarkwa
Ghana’s commanding victory over Togo has reinforced belief in the current squad, but Adarkwa’s remarks underline a broader vision that goes beyond a single result.
For him, the focus remains on steady development, discipline, and preparation for tougher challenges ahead.
The Black Maidens have made a strong statement in the opening round, but the road to qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco remains demanding.
With Liberia up next and expectations rising, Ghana’s young side must now prove they can maintain the same intensity and focus.
If their performances against Togo are anything to go by, they have the foundation. What Adarkwa is demanding now is consistency, because in his view, the real test is just beginning.
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