Ghana will battle Nigeria in the finals of the 2023 African Games Women’s football tournament tonight at the Cape Coast Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.
Coach of Ghana’s Black Princesses Yussif Basigi believes it will be a tough match for both sides but his team is well prepared to face a physically strong Nigerian side.
The Black Princesses beat their Nigerian counterparts on penalties to win the WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup in Kumasi last year.
Going into the final, Ghana boasts three wins and one draw in the tournament following successes against Senegal (3-1), Tanzania (2-1), Ethiopia (1-0) and a draw against Uganda (1-1).
Here is what Yussif Basigi told the press ahead of the final:
On rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria
We are poised to play the final against Nigeria because each time both countries meet, it does not matter how good your team is because of the rivalry. We are prepared for them as they are for us as well.
We vary our games and with the strength of the Nigerians, I think Uganda and Senegal are equally strong but we overcame them.
On technical strength of Nigeria
Nigeria is strong and technically good and we have what it takes to play against them. Playing against Nigeria is not new as I have played against the Super Falcons during my time as Black Queens head coach.
On tactical ploy for the game
We have a tactical ploy and we look at each game to know who can play so you may see changes in the team that plays Nigeria in the final.
On free scoring Nigeria side
Nigeria has scored many goals but it depends on who you’re playing against. It happened in the WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup when they didn’t concede so the final will determine.
On psychology ahead of the game
Fortunately for us, all injured players are fit and match ready. When it comes to the psychological aspect of the game, Coach Danjuma will not open up to the fullest and I’m not perturbed with what he is saying, we will be ready for the game.
On being under pressure playing in front of home fans
We are not under pressure going into this game. Whether they have conceded or not, we will go all out in the final and I believe it will be a tough match. Together with our fans at the stadium to support us, we will overcome.
Source: GFA