Colombia 2024: 5 Black Princesses stars to watch at the U-20 Women’s World Cup
After their final friendly game on Tuesday night, the next task for the Black Princesses is their opening game at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Yussif Basigi’s side has played two high-profile friendly games since arriving in Bogota for their seventh successive appearance in the competition.
Both games ended in stalemates with Ghana holding Mexico to a 0-0 draw before playing out a pulsating 2-2 game with South Korea.
All 21 players are available for the head coach and his technical team ahead of the first group game on September 2 against debutants Austria.
Basigi boasts an array of quality players in his squad for this year’s tournament across all fronts ahead of the commencement of the competition.
Here is a quick look at some of Ghana’s key players to watch at the competition:
- Afi Amenyeku – Goalkeeper
In the last two years, Afi Amenyeku has been one of the consistent names in the team. She had played crucial roles in the Black Princesses winning the maiden edition of the WAFU B U-20 Gilrs Cup of Nations as well as the 2023 African Games gold medal. Amenyeku’s role has not been only with the national team but has also seen her flourish at Northern Ladies in the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League. She was close to leading her side to the top of the submit at the end of the 2023/24 season.
As the vice-captain of the team, Amenyeku will be looking to lead from the back and be a supporting voice on the pitch.
- Beline Nyarkoh – Midfielder
Beline Nyarkoh came into the Black Princesses squad as the least fancied player having been playing in the Women’s Division One League in Ghana. However, her performances with Mfantseman Ladies were too good to ignore. She has slotted in very well and looked a key player under the tutelage of Basigi.
Beline scored four goals en route to Ghana qualifying for the tournament, the most by any Ghanaian player and two less than the continent’s top scorer in the qualifiers. Her advancement in the midfield areas.
- Tracey Twum – Midfielder
Just like Beline, Tracey Twum also scored the same number of goals in the CAF qualifiers (4). She has been a key figure both for her club (Ampem Darkoa Ladies) and the national team. Tracey was instrumental in the African Games gold-winning squad where her goals included the equaliser in the final against Nigeria.
The versatile winger is likely to leave the shores of Ghana after the end of the tournament in Colombia but her full focus now will be helping the national team go beyond the group stage for the first time.
- Abiba Issah – Defender
Abiba Issah was one of the standout performers for Hasaacas Ladies during the 2023/24 season. Her ability to slot into midfield when needed makes her a good squad member after her display against Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the final in June.
Abiba was been the pillar at the back for the Princesses in the last year and that could continue in Colombia. She will look to make the most of the opportunity for a first-timer.
- Stella Nyamekye – Midfielder
Stella Nyamekye has barely been with the Black Princesses this year as her quality has been needed at the senior level despite qualifying to play with the U-20s. She missed the 2023 African Games earlier this year but Stella has been back with Basigi’s side and has looked comfortable at home.
She captained the team to glory during the WAFU B Girls Cup and has featured in both friendlies against Mexico and South Korea.
Honourable mentions: Mafia Nyame, Helen Alormenu, Wasima Mohammed and Comfort Yeboah.
Ghana is in Group E and will face Austria, New Zealand and Japan. The competition starts on August 31.