Ghana coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has credited belief and encouragement for the Black Maidens’ turnaround after their opening defeat to Norway at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Ghana started their Group C campaign with a 3-0 loss to Norway, a result Adarkwa attributes to his young players struggling to cope with the demands of the tournament.

“Our game against Norway was a bit different because the platform was very new to the girls,” he told FIFA Media.

“They are newcomers; they are young, they didn’t know what to do. So, after the first match, we sat down with them, we talked to them, we encouraged them, and we got back.”

The Black Maidens responded with a spirited 3-3 draw against Brazil in their second match, recovering from an early setback in one of the most entertaining encounters of the group stage.

Ghana conceded in the seventh minute for the second successive match but fought back to take the lead, before Brazil rallied to earn a share of the points.

Adarkwa believes the players’ resilience reflects the work invested in the squad over the past two years.

“In a game situation like this, the opposition can score in a split-second, but you have to recover,” he added.

“We spoke all the time with the players concerning the game and told them that’s how football is. I’ve known them for the past two years, so I know what they can do at any given time.”

Ghana then secured a 2-0 victory over Canada to top Group C and book their place in the Round of 16.

The Black Maidens will face Argentina at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Wednesday, 28 October, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

Adarkwa’s side will be hoping to maintain their improved form against the South Americans and secure a place in the quarter-finals as their campaign in Morocco continues.