Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa insists Ghana must defeat Canada in their final Group B match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to stand a chance of reaching the next stage.

Ghana will take on Canada on Saturday, October 24, at 3:00pm GMT, knowing that only a victory can keep their hopes of progressing from the group alive.

Speaking after the team’s final training session, Adarkwa said the players were in high spirits and fully aware of the importance of the game.

“You can see from the training ground that hopes are very high. They know what is at stake. Whatever it is, we must win. We don’t have any option,” he said.

The Black Maidens head into the game after an entertaining 3-3 draw with Brazil in their second group match. Adarkwa believes the team must build on that display and improve on key areas ahead of the meeting with Canada.

“We are going to continue what we did against Brazil and polish it so that when we get in there, we can make it. Without a win we cannot come out from the group, so we have to win and we are going to win,” he added.

The coach also stressed the importance of mental strength, saying the players must motivate themselves and recognise the significance of the decisive encounter.

“Before a player plays matches like this, when it is time to play a deciding game, nobody will psych you. You psych yourself without the coaches or without the psychologists. They know what is at stake and they are going to deliver for us.”

Adarkwa ended by appealing to Ghanaians to support the team as they prepare for the crucial fixture.

“We need prayers and support and nothing else.”

Ghana have one point from their opening two matches, having lost 3-0 to Norway before drawing 3-3 with Brazil. They must beat Canada to keep their hopes of advancing from the group alive.