Black Princesses head coach Charles Sampson says his side is fully prepared to overturn their first-leg deficit and secure qualification for the next round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup qualifiers when they face South Africa on Saturday.
Speaking after the team's final training session in Mbombela on Friday, Sampson expressed confidence that his players have addressed the shortcomings that cost them in the 2–2 draw in Accra.
"We have been working on the last third the most this week because that's where we lack a bit," Sampson revealed. "Pressure is part of the game. We are playing to qualify for the World Cup. Unfortunately, we slipped a little bit in the last match."
The first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium saw Ghana dominate possession and create numerous chances, but wayward finishing allowed South Africa to escape with a valuable draw and two away goals.
Sampson, however, believes the lessons from that performance have been absorbed.
"We are ready; the girls are ready to redeem themselves tomorrow and qualify for the next stage," he declared.
The return fixture will be played on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Nelspruit-Mbombela Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 GMT. The winner will advance to the final round of qualifiers, where they will face either Zambia or Uganda for a place at the World Cup in Poland later this year.
For the Black Princesses, the task is clear. A win—by any margin—will keep their World Cup dream alive. And after a week of focused preparation, Sampson is betting his side will deliver.
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