Editor Note: This article is translated from the original written in French by Hilary Christelle Tolo Kpadonou
The curtain rises this Thursday, December 12, 2024 on the UFOA B tournament for girls under 17 at the Prampram technical center in Accra, Ghana. Planned to bring together the seven countries of the West B zone which are Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast, the competition will instead be played between 5 teams due to the absence of Togo and Burkina Faso.
The tournament took a unique turn in the group with the withdrawal of the Women's Stallions of Burkina Faso: Benin and Ghana being alone in this group are automatically qualified for the semi-finals but will face each other twice with a first confrontation starting this Thursday at 3 p.m. GMT.
The Beninese coach, Ida Azonsou, displays her ambitions
During the pre-match press conference, the coach of the Amazons of Benin, Ida Azonsou, appeared confident and determined for the competition. According to her, this introduction against the host country represents a real challenge, but also an opportunity to shine.
“It is an honor for us to participate in this UFOA B Girls U17 tournament. And meeting the host country upon entry is never easy. But we are aware of the task ahead of us, and we have prepared accordingly. No one is unaware of Ghana's reputation in African and international competition, we respect this team, but we came with our own ambitions, to better represent our country, to defend the national colors well, and to make the Beninese people proud. The girls are determined and we will give the best of ourselves to be able to deliver a great performance tomorrow for the opening match,” she declared.
Ghana wants to keep the trophy
The coach of the Black Maidens of Ghana, Joe Nana Adarkwa is as confident as his first opponent in the UFOA B tournament. He has clearly displayed his ambitions for the competition and intends to evolve according to the pace of his opponents:
“We are very much for the tournament. At the moment I don't know much about them but we are coming to play the tournament. As soon as the tournament starts we will know how things are going and we will be ready to face any match. In the meantime we are playing but without knowing them, we will do well and take the three points. Yes, without a doubt,” he confided.
Here is the program for the first and second matchdays
December 12
Ghana vs Benin 3 p.m. GMT
Nigeria vs Niger: 6 p.m. GMT
December 14
Benin vs Ghana: 3 p.m. GMT
Hilary Christelle TOLO KPADONOU
Comentarios