‘Our changes and tactical approach made the difference’ – Black Maidens coach after Canada win

Ghana’s Black Maidens coach, Joe Nana Adarkwa, has credited his tactical approach and substitutions for the team’s 2-0 victory over Canada at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The win secured Ghana’s place in the Round of 16, where they will face Argentina on Wednesday, October 28, as they continue their quest for success at the tournament.

Speaking to FIFA press after the match, Adarkwa said his technical team’s analysis of Canada’s previous performances helped them identify weaknesses to exploit, particularly as the game approached its closing stages.

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“Our changes and our tactical approach made the difference,” Adarkwa admitted. “That means our bench is rich, and we thank God for that. We watched their videos, and, going forward in the dying embers of the game, they felt tired. So, we planned for them, then we pushed for that.

“Because Priscilla is a striker, and she is very fast, she can block, and she can do everything. So we planned to utilize the girl that they will leave in the space, and they did that. Tactically, our girls were up to it.”

The coach’s substitutions proved decisive, with Linda Achiaa scoring just 35 seconds after coming on to give Ghana the lead. Christiana Ashiaku later struck in stoppage time to seal the victory.

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The result capped an improved performance from the Black Maidens, who had opened their Group B campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Norway before drawing 3-3 with Brazil.

Ghana finished the group stage with four points from three matches to advance to the knockout phase, with their victory over Canada providing a timely boost ahead of their next challenge.

Adarkwa targets Argentina victory

Despite celebrating qualification for the Round of 16, Adarkwa acknowledged that the competition would become increasingly difficult as Ghana prepares to face Argentina.

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The Ghanaian coach, however, expressed confidence in his players and pledged to use the available recovery period to prepare tactically for the South American side.

"We are happy to be here, but going forward, I know it is going to be very difficult," Adarkwa stated. "But we will work for that and make Africa proud. I am proud of my girls. They did well and did their best job, and we are happy for that. I know we will have two or three days to rest. Tactically, we'll work on the team that we are going to play and watch their videos."

The Black Maidens will now focus on recovery, video analysis, and tactical preparation before Wednesday’s encounter with Argentina.

With their substitutes making an immediate impact against Canada, Ghana will hope to maintain that effectiveness in the Round of 16 and keep their hopes of progressing further in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup alive.