According to GhanaWeb on Thursday, 29 October 2026, Ghana's U-17 women's national team, the Black Maidens, have regained their confidence at the ongoing competition following encouragement, praise and incentives, according to head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa.

The coach's comments come after an impressive recovery by the young Ghanaian side in Group C. The Black Maidens began their campaign with a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Norway, a result that raised concerns about their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

However, the team responded positively in their subsequent matches, showing determination and improved performances. They secured a 3-3 draw against Brazil before recording an important 2-0 victory over Canada to confirm their place in the next round.

The turnaround has been encouraging for the technical team and supporters, particularly considering the difficult start against Norway. Instead of allowing the opening defeat to affect their confidence throughout the competition, the players managed to regroup and produce better results.

Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has attributed part of the improvement to the positive support and motivation the players received. According to him, praise and incentives have played a role in restoring the confidence of the young footballers.

For players competing at an international tournament, confidence can be an important factor in their performances. Young footballers may experience pressure when representing their country, especially when facing strong opponents from different parts of the world.

Encouragement from coaches, officials and supporters can help them remain focused and believe in their abilities. The incentives also provide additional motivation as the players work towards achieving their objectives.

The Black Maidens' results against Brazil and Canada demonstrate their ability to respond after a difficult opening match. The 3-3 draw against Brazil was particularly important because it showed that Ghana could compete against a recognised football nation despite the earlier setback.

Their victory over Canada then provided the result needed to secure qualification for the knockout stage. It was an important achievement for a team that had started the group campaign under pressure.

Adarkwa and his technical team will now have the responsibility of preparing the players for the challenges ahead. The knockout stage will demand concentration, discipline and consistency because every match could determine whether Ghana continues its journey in the competition.

The Black Maidens' recovery has also given Ghanaian football supporters renewed reason to follow the team's progress. Their journey so far shows the importance of resilience, teamwork and mental strength in international football.

With their confidence reportedly restored, the young Ghanaian players will be hoping to build on their recent performances and make further progress in the tournament.

Source