By Tilda Acorlor
Head coach of Ghana’s Women U17 team, Joe Nana Adakwah has admitted his side must be more clinical in front of goal despite securing a commanding 2-0 away victory over Togo in the first leg of their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
“We planned to come and win the match, but what happened today shows that we have to improve our scoring. We squandered a lot of chances,” he said after the match at the Stade de Kégué.
While Coach Adakwah was pleased with the result, he stressed that his young side must be more clinical as they prepare for the return leg in Accra.
A brace from Priscilla Mensah secured the win for Ghana, with the forward opening the scoring in the 16th minute following a well-worked attacking move.
The Black Maidens controlled possession for much of the game, limiting Togo’s chances.
They maintained their intensity after the break and doubled their advantage in the 64th minute, as Priscilla Mensah grabbed her second goal of the match to seal a deserved victory.
The coach acknowledged the team’s overall performance, particularly given the challenge of playing away from home, but maintained that there is still room for growth.
“They did well today, especially playing away from home, but there is still a lot to improve,” he noted.
The coach also pointed out that Togo’s defensive approach posed a tactical challenge to his side’s preferred system.
“We always play 4-3-3 and that is our game plan, but what happened today was that they stayed back and relied on long passes,” he explained.
Looking ahead, the coach emphasised the importance of reviewing the team’s performance and maintaining focus.
“We will go back, watch the clips, and see what we can do so we don’t repeat them in our next and subsequent matches,” he added.
Despite the two-goal advantage, Coach Adakwah insists the tie is not yet decided.
“It’s a good result, there are still areas we must improve, and we will work on them before the next game.”
“The job is not finished. We have to stay disciplined, prepare well, and approach the next match with the same seriousness,” he said.
The return leg is scheduled for April 18 at the Accra Sports Stadium, where Ghana will look to build on their advantage and secure a qualification for the next round.
