Ghana’s Black Maidens are prepared for their crucial FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Round of 16 tie against Argentina, according to assistant coach Bashiru-Deen Sumaila.

Sumaila said the team had learned from its opening matches and used those lessons to improve both its approach and preparation for the knockout-stage contest.

The defeat by Norway proved particularly instructive for the coaching staff and the players. Sumaila said the result exposed areas that needed immediate attention and prompted the team to reassess its performance.

“It woke up both the technical staff and the playing body,” he said.

The assistant coach acknowledged that Ghana had created enough opportunities to take a positive result from the match but failed to make those chances count.

“We could have won the game, but we missed a lot of chances,” he admitted.

Following that performance, the technical team concentrated on improving the team’s finishing and ensuring that future opportunities were converted into goals.

With their continued participation in the tournament at stake against Canada, the Black Maidens responded with a determined display and secured a 2-0 victory. Sumaila attributed that result to the players’ hard work and the team’s tactical preparation.

Attention has now turned to Argentina, with the coaching staff using video analysis to prepare the players for the next challenge. The squad has reviewed the opponent’s strengths, considered the demands of the match and identified the areas in which Ghana must remain alert.

“We've watched Argentina. We had the time to have the girls watch whatever is supposed to be done, what they need to work around, and what we have to be very careful of,” Sumaila said.

He stressed that maintaining tactical discipline and concentration would be essential, particularly to prevent Argentina from turning its opportunities into goals. Although he did not disclose specific details about Argentina’s style of play, Sumaila confirmed that Ghana had planned carefully around the opponent’s strengths.

The assistant coach said the players had responded well to the preparations and were approaching the match with confidence.

“The girls are very poised and ready for the game,” he said.

“Tomorrow is going to be a very good game, and we will win. We are going to give our best tomorrow, and success shall be ours.”