Joe Nana Adarkwa wants Ghana to progress beyond the group stage at the U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco after an eight-year absence. In a FIFA interview published on October 17, the coach said his team intended to compete seriously on its return.
Ghana finished third in 2012 and subsequently reached three consecutive quarter-finals. Adarkwa, who took charge in 2024, sees that history as a reference point while placing the immediate emphasis on the group stage.
A difficult qualifying finish
Ghana recorded 8–0 victories over Togo and Liberia during African qualifying before overcoming Senegal on penalties. Adarkwa recalled the Senegal tie as a difficult contest despite the eventual celebrations.
He argued that reaching the finals now requires the players to demonstrate their ability against strong international opposition rather than regard qualification as the entire mission.
Identity with tactical flexibility
Adarkwa described Ghana's preferred approach as possession-based and attacking. However, he also explained that preparation must account for the opponent.
Against Brazil, the staff intend to study video and judge whether Ghana can compete directly or should organise differently and exploit counterattacks. He also expressed respect for Norway and Canada, the other Group C opponents.
The coach mentioned six points as a target in planning for progression, not as points already secured. His first objective remains qualification from the group before considering later rounds.
Adarkwa wants the team prepared psychologically to stay ambitious throughout that process. Ghana's previous tournament record informs those hopes, while the new campaign's results will determine whether they can achieve them.