Ghana’s Black Princesses Jet Off to Uganda for Crucial 2026 U-20 World Cup Qualifier Second Leg

Ghana’s national under-20 women’s football team, the Black Princesses, have officially departed for Kampala, Uganda, ahead of the decisive second leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying series. Carrying a slim but vital 2-1 aggregate lead from the first leg, the team departed from the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on May 6. The squad is focused on protecting their advantage in the return fixture scheduled for May 9 at the FUFA Stadium in Kampala, as they pursue their eighth consecutive appearance on the global stage.

The first leg of the encounter saw the Ghanaian side demonstrate significant resilience, coming from behind to secure a hard-fought victory. Goals from Priscilla Mensah and Latifa Abesik were instrumental in overturning the initial deficit and providing the Princesses with the momentum needed for the away leg. As the team settles in Uganda, the technical staff is expected to prioritize defensive discipline and clinical finishing to ensure the aggregate lead remains intact against a determined Ugandan side playing on home turf.

Ahead of their departure, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku, visited the team’s camp to offer moral support and encouragement. President Okraku emphasized the GFA’s commitment to the team's success and highlighted the historic significance of their consistent qualification for the World Cup. He urged the players to maintain their focus and competitive spirit, reminding them that they carry the hopes of the nation as they look to secure their spot in the tournament, which is slated to be held in Poland.

The stakes for this qualifier are exceptionally high, representing a critical step in maintaining Ghana's status as a powerhouse in African women's football. Beyond the immediate goal of qualification, the match serves as a platform for the next generation of Ghanaian stars to gain invaluable international experience. A successful result in Kampala will not only secure a World Cup berth but also reinforce the developmental progress of women’s football in the country, setting the stage for continued growth in the sport.