The Black Princesses returned to Ghana from Uganda on Monday to a heroes’ welcome after successfully qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Players and officials of the national U-20 women’s team arrived at the Accra International Airport following their hard-fought 1-1 draw against Uganda in Kampala, a result that secured a 3-2 aggregate victory for Ghana.
The atmosphere at the airport was filled with excitement as supporters, football enthusiasts and Ghana Football Association officials gathered to celebrate the team’s latest achievement.
Leading the reception was GFA Vice President Mark Addo, who was joined by General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo Esq., Executive Council member Samuel Aboabire, Business Development Manager Janice Odonkor and Human Resource Manager Keziah Agyekumwaa Afosa.
The latest qualification marks the teams eighth time in succession after seven previous appearances at the tournament.
Sampson Reflects on Difficult Qualification Journey
The Princesses entered the second leg in Uganda holding a slim advantage after securing a 2-1 victory in the first meeting at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Despite the advantage, Ghana faced a difficult challenge in Kampala as Uganda pushed aggressively in search of a result that would overturn the tie.
The hosts managed to take the lead during the game, briefly threatening Ghana’s hopes of qualification and putting the aggregate score level. However, the Black Princesses responded strongly and found the crucial equaliser that eventually sent them through to the global tournament.
Head coach Charles Sampson credited the achievement to the determination and fighting spirit shown by his players throughout the qualifying campaign.
“This has been our goal from day one. Since January last year, our goal was to qualify for the World Cup, and we were going step by step.”
Charles Sampson, Black Princesses head coach
The coach explained that the technical team had hoped to build a bigger advantage during the first leg in Accra before travelling to Uganda. “We met Uganda as the final hurdle to qualify. With the first game at home, we had a plan to build a good margin coming here, but it didn’t work out,” he stated.
Sampson also disclosed that the Black Princesses approached the second leg with an attacking mentality despite carrying a first-leg lead into Kampala.
“When we went to Uganda, our plan was to increase our margin, and that’s why we went on the offensive because we knew Uganda would do the same. Unfortunately, they got the goal that could have taken them through, but the girls showed a lot of character, a lot of resilience, and willingness beyond the normal.”
Charles Sampson
The coach’s praise highlighted the resilience displayed by the players, especially after conceding under pressure away from home.
Woeful Record at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup
While qualification has been celebrated as another important achievement for Ghanaian women’s football, the team will also be aiming to improve on its previous performances at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
In the Black Princesses’ seven previous appearances at the tournament, Ghana has never progressed beyond the group stage, a record the current squad will hope to change when they travel to Poland in September this year.
With qualification secured, preparations are now expected to intensify as the Black Princesses seek to make history and finally break past the first round on the world stage.
READ ALSO: Fisheries-Energy Partnership Targets Fuel Stability in Savannah Region
