U-20 Women’s World Cup (Q): Ghana coach Charles Sampson anticipates tough South Africa test

Ghana U-20 women’s national team head coach Charles Sampson has expressed confidence ahead of their first leg, third round clash against South Africa in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying.

The Black Princesses will host Basetsana in the opening encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, February 8 at the Accra Sports Stadium with the reverse fixture set for for February 14.

Ghana started the campaign last month, knocking out Tunisia 4-0 on aggregate in the second round of qualifiers, winning each leg 2-0. The team will aim for a big win in the first leg to make the return encounter a formality to advance to the fourth and final round.

Mood ahead of our encounter against South Africa!💃🏽🇬🇭

Come support the Black Princesses on Sunday, February 8th, 2026.

Freeeeeeeee entry…!!#StrongerTogether💪🏽 #ShineBlackPrincesses✨#BringBackTheLove 🥰 pic.twitter.com/MSgdsHUupf

— Ghana Women National Teams 🇬🇭 (@GhanaWNT) February 7, 2026

Ghana has appeared at every U-20 Women’s World Cup since 2010

Charles Sampson said: “If I look at South Africa and look at us, they also have almost this type of mindset that we do. So, I see it being an open game, but I see us having an advantage over them in many other things that I won’t speak about. We’re looking forward to this game,” he said.

“Nerves are a good thing; it means there is will. Having nerves during these games is normal, and we respect it. You also have to respect your opponent, and that is part of it. It is about how we handle it. I am looking forward to seeing the girls grow on Sunday and show maturity.”

The first-leg tie is expected to kick off at the Accra Sports Stadium with Basetsana hosting the second-leg tie on February 14.

The Black Princesses will face the winner between Zambia and Uganda if they go past South Africa for the final round of the qualifiers, a stage that qualifies the winner to the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup in Poland.

They have appeared in each World Cup since 2010 but have not gone beyond the group stage. The game against South Africa comes up at 3:30PM local time (GMT).