Black Maidens Assistant Coach Bashiru-Deen Sumaila says his side is poised and ready for their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Round of 16 clash against Argentina.

Sumaila has expressed optimism about Ghana’s chances, revealing the team has used lessons from their opening matches to refine their approach.

Speaking in a pre-match interview, Sumaila reflected on the team’s journey, noting that the Norway defeat provided valuable insights.

“It woke up both the technical staff and the playing body,” he explained, adding that the team has since worked to correct their mistakes and develop a new strategy”.

“We could have won the game, but we missed a lot of chances,” he admitted. The technical team subsequently focused on ensuring better chances are converted into goals.

With their tournament survival on the line against Canada, the Black Maidens responded with determination to win 2-0 — a result Sumaila credits to hard work and strategic preparation. Now turning attention to Argentina, the technical team has conducted thorough video analysis sessions with the players.

“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 stated.

He emphasised the importance of tactical discipline, concentration, and preventing the opponent from capitalising on chances. While he declined to reveal specific details about Argentina’s playing style, Sumaila confirmed the team has “worked around their strength.”

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