Nana Joe Adarkwa targets victory over Brazil to revive World Cup hopes

Nana Joe Adarkwa, the head coach of Ghana’s U-17 women’s national team, the Black Maidens, has declared their upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup clash against Brazil a "must-win" encounter. Following a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Norway in their opening fixture, the Ghanaian side is under significant pressure to secure a result. The crucial Group C match is scheduled for October 21 at 18:00 GMT, representing a pivotal moment for the team’s aspirations in the tournament.

Speaking ahead of the game, Adarkwa emphasized the "non-negotiable" nature of securing three points to keep the Maidens' hopes of advancing alive. Brazil currently sits at the top of the group after a victory over Canada, presenting a stiff challenge for the West African side. Despite the difficulty of the task, Adarkwa expressed confidence in his players' determination, stating that the team must "win at all costs" to recover from their initial setback. The coaching staff has reportedly focused on addressing the defensive lapses and clinical finishing issues observed during the loss to Norway.

The outcome of the match against Brazil will define the stakes for Ghana’s final group stage appearance against Canada on October 24. A positive result would put the Black Maidens back in contention for a spot in the knockout rounds, while a loss would likely end their tournament run early. As the team prepares for the 18:00 GMT kickoff, the focus remains on tactical discipline and mental toughness to overcome the South American leaders and restore national pride on the global stage.