Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane struck within five minutes of each other in the second half to seal qualification as group winners for Thomas Tuchel's side.

The clearest indicator of England's control was possession. The Three Lions monopolised the ball with 67 percent possession compared to Panama's 33 percent, completing 492 accurate passes at an impressive 88 percent success rate. Panama, by contrast, managed only 201 accurate passes with a completion rate of 75 percent, spending long periods defending deep inside their own half.

England's dominance extended far beyond simple ball retention. They attempted 557 passes overall, with an extraordinary 291 coming inside Panama's half. The Central Americans recorded only 63 passes in England territory, illustrating just how difficult it was for them to sustain attacking phases or build meaningful pressure.

The expected goals figures also tell a compelling story. England generated 1.40 xG compared to Panama's 0.59, reflecting the quality and quantity of chances created by Tuchel's men. More importantly, England produced 1.23 xG from open play, showing that their attacking mechanisms functioned effectively despite a frustrating first hour. Panama, meanwhile, managed only 0.37 open-play xG and relied heavily on isolated counter-attacks.

England's xG on target reached an impressive 1.84, significantly higher than Panama's meagre 0.15. That statistic demonstrates the efficiency of England's finishing once opportunities arrived. While Panama registered 13 attempts, only two tested Jordan Pickford. England produced 17 shots and forced six saves from Orlando Mosquera, continuously asking questions of the Panama defence.

Territorial superiority was perhaps best illustrated by touches inside the penalty area. England accumulated a remarkable 39 touches in Panama's box, exactly three times more than their opponents' tally of 13. The Three Lions also earned seven corners compared to Panama's three, keeping relentless pressure on a defence that ultimately cracked after the hour mark.

The attacking balance in England's play deserves particular attention. Twelve of their seventeen shots came from inside the penalty area, evidence of their ability to work the ball into dangerous positions rather than relying solely on speculative efforts from distance. Panama, meanwhile, split their attempts more evenly, recording eight shots inside the box and five from outside. However, the quality of those opportunities remained considerably lower.

Defensively, England showed far greater physical authority than in their goalless draw against Ghana. The Three Lions won 61 duels to Panama's 43 and dominated both on the ground and in the air. They secured 58 percent of ground duels and an imposing 61 percent of aerial contests, allowing them to quickly regain possession whenever Panama attempted to break forward.

Panama's defensive workload was enormous. They produced 36 clearances compared to England's 21 and committed 16 fouls in an attempt to disrupt the rhythm of the match. Their goalkeeper made four saves, twice as many as Pickford, underlining the sustained pressure they faced throughout the contest.

Yet Panama were not entirely passive participants. Their four offsides, matching England's total, suggest a willingness to attack space behind England's defensive line whenever opportunities arose. José Luis Rodríguez and Tomás Rodríguez both threatened sporadically on the counter, although a lack of composure in the final third prevented them from seriously troubling Tuchel's side.

The match also highlighted England's growing reliance on Jude Bellingham as their creative catalyst. The Real Madrid midfielder not only broke the deadlock but also provided the assist for Harry Kane's historic second goal, which moved the captain clear of Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals.

Ultimately, the numbers reflect a straightforward conclusion: England controlled virtually every important aspect of the contest. They had more possession, more passes, more shots, more touches in the opposition box, more corners and superior duel success. Panama displayed admirable resilience but lacked the quality to withstand continuous pressure over ninety minutes.

For England, the victory was less about spectacle and more about efficiency. After the frustration of their draw with Ghana, Tuchel's men delivered the response required, topping Group L and entering the knockout stages with momentum restored. The statistics suggest a side still searching for its absolute best form, but one possessing enough control, experience and firepower to remain among the favourites for the 2026 World Cup crown.

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Luka Modric has etched his name further into World Cup history, becoming the oldest player to provide an assist at the tournament after his pinpoint corner set up Croatia's winning goal against Ghana.

At 40 years and 291 days old, the Croatian captain delivered a perfectly weighted delivery from the corner flag in the 83rd minute, which Nikola Vlasic converted to secure a 2-1 victory over the Black Stars at Lincoln Financial Field.

The assist sees Modric surpass the previous record held by Pele, who provided an assist for Brazil at the age of 34 years and 136 days in 1970.

The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner has been the heartbeat of this Croatia side for nearly two decades, and his latest performance proved that age is no barrier to delivering on the biggest stage.

Modric's corner came at a crucial moment. Ghana had just equalised through Derrick Luckassen's debut goal, and the momentum threatened to swing in the Black Stars' favour. But the veteran midfielder's delivery restored Croatia's lead and secured their place in the round of 32.

Croatia will now face the runner-up from Group K in the knockout stage, while Ghana await the winner of Group K.

For Modric, who has announced this will be his final World Cup, the record is yet another reminder of his enduring greatness.

At 40, he continues to defy logic, leading his country with the same grace and intelligence that has defined his career.

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Just hours after suffering their 2-1 defeat to Croatia, the Black Stars' focus has already shifted to Sunday's mouthwatering Group K clash between Colombia and Portugal - a match that will determine Ghana's opponent in the round of 32.

Despite the loss in Philadelphia, Ghana had already secured their place in the knockout stages before kick-off, thanks to their 1-0 win over Panama and goalless draw against England. The Black Stars finished third in Group L with four points and will now face the winner of Group K on Thursday, July 2.

Petar Sucic gave Croatia the lead in the 31st minute, but Ghana responded through Derrick Luckassen, who scored on his World Cup debut in the 73rd minute to level the scores. However, Croatia quickly restored their advantage when Nikola Vlasic converted from a corner, securing a 2-1 victory that confirmed their progression.

Croatia finished second in the group with six points and will face the runner-up from Group K in the round of 32.

The final Group K match takes place on Sunday, June 28, at 00:30 GMT at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Both teams have already qualified for the knockout stage, but the result will determine who finishes top of the group.

Colombia currently lead Group K with six points from two wins, while Portugal sit second with four points. The scenario is simple: Colombia will secure top spot with a win or a draw. Portugal, meanwhile, must win to leapfrog Los Cafeteros and claim first place.

For Ghana, the stakes are clear. The winner of Group K will face the Black Stars in the round of 32. Should Colombia win or draw, they will top the group, and Ghana will face the South Americans. If Portugal win, Cristiano Ronaldo's side will finish first, and Ghana will face the European giants.

Either opponent presents a formidable challenge. Colombia have been perfect so far, with victories over Uzbekistan and DR Congo, while Portugal boast a +5 goal difference and Cristiano Ronaldo in red-hot form.

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While the Black Stars entered the contest unbeaten and boasting two consecutive clean sheets, Zlatko Dalić's men controlled the rhythm of the game and ultimately produced the decisive moments required to reach the Round of 32.

The match statistics reveal a surprisingly balanced contest. Croatia enjoyed 53 percent possession compared to Ghana's 47 percent, but their superiority was not overwhelming. Instead, it was their ability to dictate the tempo through patient circulation that proved decisive. The Croatians completed 478 accurate passes at an outstanding 91 percent success rate, while Ghana registered 402 successful passes at an equally respectable 88 percent.

Perhaps the most fascinating statistic concerns expected goals. Despite losing, Ghana generated a higher xG total of 0.74 compared to Croatia's 0.42. However, the numbers require context. Croatia's attacking play was spread across multiple phases and long-distance efforts, while Ghana's opportunities came from fewer but higher-value situations, particularly from dead-ball scenarios. Remarkably, 0.63 of Ghana's xG came from set pieces, highlighting their effectiveness from restarts but also exposing their struggles in open play, where they produced just 0.11 xG throughout the match.

Croatia, on the other hand, created a more balanced attacking profile. Their 0.26 open-play xG and 0.16 set-piece xG underline a side capable of threatening opponents through different avenues. Luka Modrić's delivery from corners eventually proved decisive, with Nikola Vlašić's winning header demonstrating Croatia's enduring strength from dead-ball situations.

The shooting statistics further reinforce the nature of the contest. Croatia attempted eight shots to Ghana's six and managed four efforts on target, while the Black Stars could only test the goalkeeper once. Yet Ghana's xG on target stood at 0.99 compared to Croatia's 0.89, indicating that when the Black Stars did create chances, they tended to be dangerous. The problem was volume rather than quality. Ghana simply failed to generate enough attacking moments to sustain pressure on their opponents.

Croatia also displayed greater attacking ambition in difficult areas. Five of their eight shots came from outside the penalty area, including Petar Sučić's spectacular opener, while Ghana divided their attempts evenly between inside and outside the box. The Croatians even struck the woodwork once, underlining their willingness to take risks in pursuit of victory.

Defensively, the match presented an interesting contrast in styles. Ghana recorded ten interceptions compared to Croatia's four, demonstrating Carlos Queiroz's emphasis on maintaining a compact shape and disrupting passing lanes. However, Croatia produced 23 clearances and won more ground duels, illustrating their capacity to absorb pressure when required. The Black Stars committed 13 fouls to Croatia's nine, reflecting their aggressive approach in attempting to slow Croatia's midfield combinations.

The aerial battle was one of the few areas where Ghana held a slight advantage, winning 53 percent of aerial duels compared to Croatia's 47 percent. Yet Croatia's superiority in technical aspects of the game proved more significant. Their higher passing accuracy, better ball retention and ability to control possession in key moments ultimately determined the outcome.

For Ghana, the defeat was painful but not catastrophic. The Black Stars still advanced as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams after collecting four points from their opening two matches. Nevertheless, the statistics expose a recurring concern: an overreliance on defensive organisation and set-piece opportunities at the expense of attacking creativity in open play.

Croatia, meanwhile, demonstrated once again why experience matters on football's biggest stage. They did not overwhelm Ghana physically or statistically, but they managed the critical moments better, remained composed under pressure, and found a winning goal when it mattered most. The numbers tell the story of a tight contest, but also of a veteran side that understands precisely how to navigate tournament football.

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Croatia took the lead in the 31st minute through Petar Sucic, but Luckassen rose to the occasion in the 73rd minute, heading home to bring Ghana level. The goal was a moment of personal triumph for the defender, who had been called up to replace the injured Alexander Djiku.

However, Croatia quickly restored their lead through Nikola Vlašić, securing a 2-1 victory that confirmed their place in the round of 32.

Despite the defeat, Ghana had already secured their knockout spot before kick-off, thanks to their 1-0 win over Panama and a goalless draw against England. They finished third in Group L with four points and will now face the winners of Group K in the round of 32.

The 30-year-old Pafos defender, who was a late addition to Ghana's preliminary squad after replacing the injured Alexander Djiku, was handed his first World Cup start after Jerome Opoku was rested as a precaution following a groin strain sustained in Ghana's goalless draw against England.

Luckassen made his Black Stars debut in a friendly against Germany in March and secured a place in Carlos Queiroz's final 26-man squad for the tournament. On Saturday, he made an immediate impact at the biggest stage of all.

For Luckassen, his debut goal will be a moment to cherish, even as Ghana look ahead to their knockout challenge.

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The Black Stars entered the contest knowing they had already qualified to the next round, while Croatia needed victory to keep their own hopes alive.

Although the Europeans claimed all three points, Ghana still progressed to the knockout stage after results elsewhere ensured Carlos Queiroz's men finished among the teams advancing from the group.

Croatia started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Nikola Vlasic unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Benjamin Asare was beaten, but the Ghana goalkeeper was rescued by the woodwork as the shot crashed against the framework.

The pressure eventually told in the 31st minute. Mateo Kovačić produced a brilliant pass to find Petar Sucic on the edge of the area, and the midfielder made no mistake, firing a low strike beyond Asare to give Croatia a deserved 1-0 lead.

Ghana struggled to create clear-cut chances during the opening hour but gradually grew into the game after a series of substitutions.

Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when debutant Derrick Luckassen marked his first appearance for the Black Stars with a crucial equaliser. Following a dangerous free-kick delivered into the penalty area, Ernest Nuamah kept the attack alive with an inviting cross, allowing Luckassen to convert from close range and spark celebrations among the Ghana supporters.

The goal briefly shifted the momentum in Ghana's favour, but Croatia responded with renewed urgency knowing only a win would keep them in the tournament.

The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric delivered an excellent corner into the penalty area, where Nikola Vlasic rose highest to power a header beyond Asare and restore Croatia's advantage.

Ghana pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing stages but were unable to find a way past the Croatian defence as the match finished 2-1.

Despite the defeat, the Black Stars' earlier results - a 1-0 victory over Panama and a goalless draw against England - proved enough to secure qualification for the Round of 32.

While Croatia celebrated a hard-fought victory, Ghana also had reason to celebrate after confirming their place in the knockout rounds, where Queiroz's side will aim to continue their World Cup journey.

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Petar Sucic gave the 2018 runners-up the lead in the 31st minute with a well-taken strike, but Ghana responded through Derrick Luckassen, who headed home in the 73rd minute to level the scores.

However, Croatia restored their lead almost immediately when Nikola Vlasic converted from a corner, securing the win that confirmed their progression.

Despite the defeat, Ghana had already booked their place in the knockout stages before kick-off, thanks to their 1-0 win over Panama and a goalless draw against England. Carlos

Queiroz made several changes to his starting lineup, with Jerome Opoku rested as a precaution following a groin strain and Derrick Luckassen handed his World Cup debut. Elisha Owusu also returned to the starting XI after missing the England game.

Ghana finished third in Group L with four points. They will now face the winners of Group K, likely Portugal or Colombia, in the round of 32.

Croatia, who had recovered from a 4-2 opening defeat to England with a narrow win over Panama, finished second in the group with six points. They will face the runners-up from Group K.

England topped the group with seven points after beating Panama 3-0 and will face either Senegal or one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 32.

For Ghana, the tournament continues despite the defeat, with a challenging knockout fixture awaiting them.

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Spain winger Nico Williams has described his latest injury setback as "one of the worst days of my life" after accusing Uruguay of losing control during their World Cup exit, leaving the European champions anxiously awaiting news on his fitness for the knockout rounds.

The 23-year-old suffered a muscle injury after a heavy challenge from Nicolás de la Cruz during Spain's 1-0 Group H victory over Uruguay, a result that sealed top spot for Luis de la Fuente's side while ending the South Americans' tournament. Tensions boiled over in the closing stages, with Agustín Canobbio later shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí as frustration spilled over.

Taking to social media after the match, Williams expressed his disappointment following another injury setback in what has already been a difficult campaign.

"Today is one of the worst days of my life. I am injured again after a very difficult year," he wrote.

The Athletic Bilbao star also criticised the challenge that forced him off, suggesting it stemmed from Uruguay's frustration as their World Cup campaign came to an end.

"Yesterday, I suffered a new injury following an incident where a fellow professional acted out of frustration, unhappiness, and sadness over the situation he was going through."

"In my opinion, it was a play that could have been avoided, as it was completely unnecessary. But this won’t stop me."

The Spanish Football Federation later confirmed Williams had sustained a "moderate" muscle injury. While he has been ruled out of Spain's Round of 32 fixture, the diagnosis leaves open the possibility of a return later in the tournament should La Roja continue their title charge.

Spain also received encouraging news regarding Yeremy Pino after medical examinations ruled out a fractured collarbone. The Crystal Palace midfielder is now expected to recover in time to feature again if Spain advance.

Even so, Williams' absence is a significant setback for De la Fuente, whose options in wide attacking areas are already stretched. The winger has endured an injury-hit season with Athletic Bilbao and was carefully managed throughout the group stage, making only substitute appearances in all three matches.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is still being eased back after a hamstring problem and has yet to complete a full match in more than two months, while new Liverpool signing Víctor Muñoz has not featured at the tournament because of fitness concerns.

Having topped Group H, Spain will now face either Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles on Thursday, hoping their squad depth can compensate for another cruel injury blow to one of their most dangerous attacking players.

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Spain winger Nico Williams has sustained a moderate-grade right adductor muscle injury following a heavy tackle in his team's 1-0 World Cup group-stage victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed the diagnosis after medical examinations revealed significant muscle damage caused by a late impact.

The 23-year-old Athletic Club star, who entered the match as a second-half substitute, left the stadium visibly limping and in severe distress.

The injury occurred during stoppage time when Uruguay’s Nicolás de la Cruz lunged heavily into Williams, an action that sparked heated confrontations between both teams on the pitch.

The RFEF medical staff ruled the forward out of Spain's upcoming Round of 32 match scheduled for July 2.

However, because the injury is labeled "moderate," Williams will remain with the squad in North America, keeping alive a slim hope that he might feature in the later stages of the tournament if Spain advances.

Following the match, an emotional Williams released a statement on his social media accounts, describing the event as "one of the worst days of my life".

The winger openly criticized De la Cruz's challenge, attributing the dangerous tackle to the opposition's late-game frustration as Uruguay bowed out of the tournament.

Williams noted that the aggressive play could easily have been avoided, labeling the tackle entirely unnecessary.

The setback is particularly devastating for the forward, who detailed his exhausting year-and-a-half-long battle with physical health.

Williams revealed the immense anxiety and pain he faced while overcoming a chronic case of pubalgia (sports hernia), which was immediately followed by a severe hamstring injury in May.

Having worked extensively with specialists to regain his fitness just in time for the World Cup roster, this latest adductor tear represents a profound emotional and physical blow to his career momentum.

The loss of Williams severely compromises Spain's attacking depth under head coach Luis de la Fuente. Williams was a critical component of Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, but persistent groin issues throughout the 2025–2026 club season had already limited his output and forced management to carefully monitor his minutes.

His absence complicates matters for La Roja, as fellow winger Yéremy Pino also sustained an acromioclavicular sprain in his left shoulder during the same match, though scans fortunately ruled out a feared collarbone fracture.

With Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal still being carefully managed back to full match fitness after his own hamstring injury, Spain faces a distinct shortage of explosive options on the flanks.

De la Fuente must now quickly reconfigure his lineup and tactical approach before the knockout stage begins.

The technical staff will rely heavily on medical updates to see if Williams can make a miraculous return should the European champions progress deep into July.

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Benjamin Asare maintains his spot as well as Thomas Partey after their stellar performances against England. Elisha Owusu also returns to the midfield, with Kwasi Sibo retaining his place. Caleb Yirenkyi is dropped to the bench.

The defence sees a reshuffle: Gideon Mensah, Derrick Luckassen, Jonas Adjetey, and Marvin Senaya form the backline.

The attacking trio features Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and captain Jordan Ayew, who will be leading the line in Boston on June 27.

Benjamin Asare - Gideon Mensah, Derrick Luckassen, Jonas Adjetey, Marvin Senaya - Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Elisha Owusu - Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jordan Ayew (c).

The match kicks off at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia

Ghana having already secured a place in the round of 32, Croatia head into the game knowing that a lost could send them home.

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Derrick Luckassen is set to make his FIFA World Cup debut after being named in Ghana's starting line-up for Saturday's decisive Group L clash against Croatia.

The Pafos defender earned his first Black Stars cap in a friendly against Germany in March, but this will be his first appearance at the World Cup after being selected to replace the rested Jerome Opoku.

Luckassen was a late addition to Ghana's preliminary squad after replacing the injured Alexander Djiku before securing a place in Carlos Queiroz's final 26-man squad for the tournament.

The 30-year-old now has the opportunity to make his mark on football's biggest stage after Opoku was ruled out as a precaution following the groin strain he sustained in Ghana's goalless draw against England.

Born in the Netherlands to Ghanaian parents, Luckassen comes from a football family. He is one of four brothers to have played professionally, including Kevin Luckassen and Dutch international Brian Brobbey, who is representing the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The brothers' presence at the tournament means two members of the same family will feature at the World Cup while representing different countries.

Luckassen's inclusion completes a remarkable rise after initially missing out on Ghana's plans. Called up late following Djiku's injury, the centre-back has now been entrusted with a starting role in one of the Black Stars' most important matches of the tournament.

With Ghana already through to the Round of 32, Luckassen will be hoping to seize his opportunity and help the Black Stars secure a positive result against Croatia as they aim for the best possible finish in Group L.

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The centre-back played a key role in Ghana's goalless draw with England on Tuesday but will be rested to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of the knockout stage, with the Black Stars already assured of a place in the Round of 32.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has made three changes to his side, with Kamaldeen Sulemana and Elisha Owusu returning to the starting XI after missing the draw against England, while Derrick Luckassen replaces Opoku in central defence.

Benjamin Asare continues in goal behind a back four of Gideon Mensah, Derrick Luckassen, Jonathan Adjetey and Marvin Senaya.

Thomas Partey and Kwasi Sibo anchor the midfield, with Elisha Owusu operating in a more advanced role behind an attacking trio of Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana and captain Jordan Ayew.

Although Ghana have already qualified for the Round of 32, the Black Stars still have plenty to play for. Victory could see them finish top of Group L, depending on the outcome of England's match against Panama, while a draw would also keep Queiroz's side in contention for first place if England fail to win.

Ghana XI: Benjamin Asare; Gideon Mensah, Dennis Luckassen, Jonathan Adjetey, Marvin Senaya; Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo; Elisha Owusu; Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jordan Ayew.

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Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has named a bold starting lineup for the Black Stars' decisive Group L clash against Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making three significant changes to the side that drew with England.

The Black Stars have already secured qualification to the Round of 32, while Croatia must win or draw to keep their World Cup campaign alive, adding extra significance to the encounter in Philadelphia.

The biggest talking point is the debut of Derrick Luckassen, who comes straight into the heart of Ghana's defence following the injury to Jerome Opoku.

Luckassen partners the impressive Jonas Adjetey in central defence, with Marvin Senaya and Gideon Mensah occupying the full-back positions.

Benjamin Asare retains his place in goal after producing an outstanding performance against England, where he made several crucial saves to preserve a valuable point and maintain Ghana's unbeaten record in the tournament.

Queiroz has also reshuffled his midfield, with Elisha Owusu replacing Caleb Yirenkyi.

The move is understood to be a precautionary one, with Yirenkyi being rested to avoid picking up a yellow card that would result in suspension for the knockout stage should Ghana qualify.

Owusu joins Thomas Teye Partey and Kwasi Sibo in midfield.

In attack, Kamaldeen Sulemana returns to the starting lineup in place of Inaki Williams, adding pace and directness alongside Antoine Selorm Semenyo.

Captain Jordan Pierre Ayew leads the line as Ghana chase a place in the knockout rounds.

The Black Stars enter the match on four points following a 1-0 victory over Panama and a goalless draw against England.

They have also yet to concede a goal at the tournament, underlining their defensive discipline under Queiroz.

With qualification to the Round of 32 sealed already, Ghana will be hoping their new-look lineup can deliver another composed performance.

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The countdown has officially begun for Ghana's Black Queens, with just 30 days remaining until the start of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Africa's flagship women's football tournament will kick off on July 26, with hosts Morocco facing Kenya at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Algeria and Senegal will open the competition earlier that day at the Olympic Stadium.

The Black Queens head into the tournament in high spirits after securing a third-place finish at the previous edition, marking a return to the podium after years of rebuilding.

With confidence growing within the squad, Ghana will be targeting another strong campaign and will be hoping to go even further this time around.

Beyond the race for the continental title, there is even greater incentive. A place in the semi-finals will secure qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup, making every group-stage and knockout match crucial.

Women's football continues to grow rapidly across Africa, with increased investment by the Confederation of African Football helping to raise the standard of the competition and create greater opportunities for national teams.

For the Black Queens, WAFCON 2026 presents another opportunity to re-establish themselves among the continent's elite and earn a return to the FIFA Women's World Cup.

With one month to go before the tournament begins, preparations are expected to intensify as Ghana looks to arrive in Morocco ready to challenge for continental honours and a place on the world stage.

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Ghana's U-17 women's national team, the Black Maidens, stepped up preparations for their decisive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifier with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Cabfix Ladies in a friendly match.

The convincing performance underlined the team's growing confidence as they fine-tune preparations for the final qualifying round against Senegal.

The friendly formed part of the Black Maidens' final training programme ahead of the two-legged tie, with a place at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup up for grabs.

Ghana dominated proceedings against Cabfix Ladies, producing an assured display at both ends of the pitch to secure a comfortable four-goal victory.

The result will provide a timely confidence boost as the team prepares for one of its most important fixtures of the year.

The Black Maidens will travel to Senegal for the first leg of the final qualifying round before hosting the return leg in Accra.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already confirmed the match officials for the first leg, which will be played on Friday, July 3, at the Diamniadio-Abdoulaye Wade Annex Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 GMT.

Ghana will be aiming to secure a positive result away from home before completing the job in front of their supporters in the return fixture.

The Black Maidens are one of Africa's most successful youth women's national teams and will be looking to maintain that proud record by booking another place at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Following their impressive display against Cabfix Ladies, the technical team will be encouraged by the squad's form as preparations enter the final stages ahead of the crucial showdown with their West African neighbours.

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