Black Princesses Secure Dominant Friendly Win in Poland Amidst World Cup Injury Concerns

Ghana’s national U-20 women’s football team, the Black Princesses, have significantly boosted their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over Polish league side Ślęza Wrocław. Currently camping in Poland to finalize their tournament readiness, the team delivered a clinical performance that underscores their ambition for their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. The victory serves as a vital morale booster for the squad as they transition into the final phase of their pre-tournament training.

The friendly match provided a platform for the Princesses to showcase their offensive capabilities. Jacqueline Ntoso broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, setting the tone for a dominant display. The lead was subsequently extended by Priscilla Mensah, Ruth Amponsah, and Diana Amoako, who each found the net to complete the 4-0 rout. Beyond the scoreline, the match allowed the technical team to evaluate tactical formations and player fitness against competitive European opposition.

Despite the positive result on the pitch, Coach Charles Sampson is navigating a difficult personnel situation. The team is currently grappling with a significant injury crisis, with seven players expected to be unavailable for the tournament's start. This includes the major loss of team skipper Linda Owusu Ansah. To bolster the squad, forward Esther Owusu of FK Apolonia joined the camp on August 25. Although she missed the recent friendly due to her late arrival, the forward—who previously featured in the qualifiers against Tunisia—is expected to play a crucial role in filling the void left by sidelined teammates.

The Black Princesses are set to face a challenging group stage, having been drawn against South Korea, France, and Ecuador. The team is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against Ecuador on September 6. With the tournament fast approaching, the focus in the Polish camp remains on integrating late arrivals like Owusu and finding effective tactical solutions to manage the absence of key injured personnel before they depart for the global stage.