As the FIFA U17 Womens World Cup kicks off on Friday, 30 September 2016 in Jordan, the Black Maidens open their group D fixture against Japan at the Prince Mohammed International Stadium on Saturday 1st October.
Ahead of the global showpiece, Sportsworldghana.com’s writer Kelvin Prince Boateng Jnr. brings to you seven players in the Black Maidens setup that will on any good day ignite the tournament in Jordan with their silky skills.
1. Sandra Owusu Ansah ( Forward, Supreme Ladies )
One of Ghana’s best players at the 2014 U17 Womens World Cup in Costa Rica.
16-year-old Sandra Owusu Ansah who will be leading the Black Maidens in Jordan is one key player to watch out for.
Sandra who has already featured for the Black Princesses and Black Queens, Seems a very complete forward and mature beyond her years. Her excellent finishing and intelligent movement are two of the other main strengths of an extremely talented superstar in the making.
2. Rafiatu Alhassan ( Forward, Hasaacas Ladies )
Having already featured for the Ghana National U20 female team Black Princesses and Playing regular first team football with Ghana Womens league side Hasaacas Ladies. Rafiatu,15, Is an attacking player who generally features on either wing.
Pace is the forward’s biggest asset, but she combines it comfortably with her excellent dribbling ability.
A willingness to take on opponent makes her a valuable option on the ball, while she certainly looks more than comfortable in and around the box.
3. Adiza Kubrah Mustapha ( Forward,Soccer Intellectuals )
Born July 4 1999, Adiza Kubrah Mustapha is a pacy winger who plays club football for Soccer Intellectuals.
Deployed mainly on the right wing, Adiza tends to cut infield both on and off the ball. When watching the deputy captain of the Black Maidens in action, the first thing that is apparent is her exceptional pace and skill with the ball at her feet. She possesses fantastic speed and dribbling ability, making it a nightmare for defenders to try and stop Her
4. Fuseina Mumuni ( Midfielder , Lepo Ladies )
In 2014 Mumuni became the youngest ever player to feature in a World Cup at age 13.
Now 15, Feseina is a dynamic workaholic midfielder. Able to play as a more defensive midfielder, Fuseina’s characteristics make her more of a “number 8”. A great passer of the ball, the Right to Dream Academy product is known for both her ability to keep her head up during the match and how calm she is on her defensive duties.
5. Grace Asantewaa ( Midfielder, Ampem Darkoa Ladies )
Free-kick Specialist Grace Asantewaa will always be remembered for that stunning free- kick she scored in the National Womens League final against Hasaacas Ladies that won Ampem Dakoa their first ever trophy.
The 15-year-old former Hasaacas Ladies player is the prototype of the modern day defensive midfielder.Asantewaa known for her ball control and dribbling skills. Deployed at the heart of the midfield, she is often observed to have high accuracy of passing and possession, providing decisive passes and creating chances.
6. Philicity Asuako ( Defender, Samaria Ladies )
Powerful in the air, confident on the ball and quick across the ground, 15 year old Philicity Aduako has all the ingredients required of a modern day central defender.
Capable of playing anywhere across the back four the Black Maidens youngster who is one of those players who acts unexcitedly on the pitch, and keeps track of the game all the time, while displaying an excellent positional play is another great player to keep an eye on.
7. Kayza Massey ( Goalkeeper, Ottawa South United )
Kayza Massey is a 15 year old Ghanaian Born Canadian based goalkeeper who plays for Ottawa South United Soccer.
Kayza displays confidence and ability far beyond her years. She already possesses many attributes that will help her progress into a top class goalkeeper; great reflexes, quick off her line and excellent shot stopping capabilities. Kayza for me should be Ghana’s number 1 in Jordan.
Okay so with these above players and the many others in the team, Ghana’s Black Maidens are a team to reckon with and I can’t wait to watch them make Ghana proud. Go Ghana! Go Black Maidens!
By: Kelvin Prince Boateng
Follow on twitter ( @KPBJNROfficial )
