“Ghana proved doubters wrong against England” – Yusif Basigi

Experienced Ghanaian women’s coach Yusif Basigi has parted the senior female team on the back despite their 2-0 defeat against England in an international friendly on Tuesday.

The Black Queens were put to the sword even before they faced England due to the Lionesses 8-0 thumping of one time world powerhouse China.

The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations bronze medalists however gave a good account of themselves when they only fell twice to the European champions courtesy Lucia Kendall’s brace.

Basigi, who spent a combined six years with the Black Queens in assistant and head coach’s roles, sang the praise of coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s charges.

“Many Ghanaians and even beyond never gave [the] Black Queens any hope in terms of going to concede less goals like they did,” Yusif Basigi told Radio Gold.

Ghana was not given a dog’s chance against England

“Many thought they [England] were going to harvest us but the girls also proved that they were also up to the task. I was so happy to see them perform up to that level, they did very well.

The 53-year-old led Hasaacas Ladies to a record four Ghana Women’s Premier League trophies, one FA Cup title, the 2015 All Africa Games glory and the 2016 Women’s AFCON third place.

He guided Hasaacas Ladies to the 2021 WAFU ZONE B Women’s CAF Champions League qualifying title and a silver place finish in the 2021 Women’s CAF Champions League.

Basigi was assistant with the Black Queens between 2011 and 2013 before being handed the substantive role between 2013 and 2017.

He coached Ghana’s U-20 Women’s team for a combined seven years before departing for Tanzania side, Simba Queens for a season.