Ghana’s Women’s Premier League champions have been drawn in Group B alongside Nigerian giants Bayelsa Queens, Togo’s Association Sportive de la Kozah, and Benin’s Sam Nelly.

The tournament is scheduled to run from Saturday, August 23, to September 4.

Although he acknowledges the strength of their group, Basigi insists that his team will approach each match with focus and determination.

“We are not underestimating or overestimating anyone because every club earned their place,” he told Graphic Sports.

“Our focus is to take each match as it comes and fight for the ultimate. We are going to Côte d’Ivoire to qualify — that’s the mindset.”

The top two teams from each group will advance to the CAF Women’s Champions League later this year.

The WAFU Zone B qualifiers will be held in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.

The experienced Ghanaian coach has signed a one-year contract with the team after spending 21 years with Hasaacas Ladies as head coach.

He succeeds Juma Mgunda, who departed following the end of his contract and will be supported by assistant coach Mussa Mgosi.

Basigi is set to make his coaching debut for Simba Queens during the Community Shield semi-final, scheduled to take place between September 24 and 27 at the KMC Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Starting his coaching career with Hasaacas in 2003, Basigi quickly progressed, becoming head coach of the men’s team before taking charge of the women’s side in 2013.

Under his leadership, Hasaacas Ladies clinched the inaugural Ghana Women’s Premier League title by defeating Fabulous Ladies in the final.

Throughout his tenure, Basigi led the team to five league championships and secured the FA Cup in 2021.

Notably, during the 2020/21 season, he guided the club to victory in the inaugural WAFU B Women’s Champions League and helped them reach the CAF tournament finals.

In addition to his club achievements, Basigi also made history in 2015 by leading the Black Queens to a gold medal at the All-African Games.

The 52-year-old is set to join Tanzanian club Simba Queens on a one-year contract, seeking a new challenge.

Basigi began his journey with Hasaacas in 2003, initially earning his coaching badges before becoming head coach of the men’s team.

He transitioned to the women’s team in 2013, leading them to victory in the first-ever Ghana Women’s Premier League and securing five league titles overall, along with an FA Cup win in 2021.

Basigi guided Hasaacas to a championship in the inaugural WAFU B Women’s Champions League and a second-place finish in the CAF tournament.

Currently, Hasaacas Ladies are under the interim leadership of assistant coach Mabel Baffoe Eshun as they compete in the 2024 Women’s Premier Super Cup.

Basigi recently returned from coaching the Black Princesses at the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

Ghana began their campaign in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 1-2 defeat to Austria on Monday night.

Despite a late goal from Stella Nyamekye, the Black Princesses were unable to secure any points, leaving them in a challenging position for their upcoming games.

“I wouldn’t say there is no pressure at all because if we had won or drawn this game against Austria, it would’ve given us motivation,” said Basigi after the game against the debutants.

“But now we have no option than to go all out with the remaining two games to go,” he added.

Ghana will face Japan, who won their opening game 7-0, on Thursday, September 5, followed by a match against New Zealand.

To advance to the knockout stages for the first time, the Black Princesses need to finish among the top two in Group E or be one of the best third-place teams.

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Reflecting on the match, he noted the team’s slow start but highlighted their improved performance in the second half, where they dominated play but failed to convert key scoring opportunities.

“We started the game slowly, but towards the end of the first half, we began to find our rhythm. In the second half, we dominated play even though we were a goal down. “Unfortunately, we didn’t capitalize on our goal-scoring chances. This is an area we need to refine to stay competitive” Basigi remarked after the match.

He praised the second-half performance but acknowledged that a stronger start could have changed the outcome.

“If we had begun the game the way we played in the second half, it would have been a different story. But we started slowly,” he added.

Despite the pressure to perform, Basigi remains motivated and focused on improving the team’s performance in the upcoming matches.

With a talented squad and experience from previous international friendlies, the Black Princesses are determined to bounce back strongly.

“There’s definitely some pressure, especially since a win or draw against Austria would have boosted our morale. Now, we have no choice but to give our all in the remaining two games,” Basigi said.

Ghana will face Japan in their second Group E match on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

The Black Princesses are eager to advance beyond the group stage for the first time, despite having made six consecutive appearances at the tournament.

The Black Princesses are set to kick off their campaign against Austria later tonight, marking their seventh consecutive appearance in the tournament.

In an interview, Basigi shared his positive outlook, noting that he feels more motivated than pressured.

“There is no pressure on me but rather I am motivated to take part in this tournament for the second time after being with the Black Princesses in France in 2018,” he told the Ghana FA website.

He also appealed to Ghanaians for their support and encouragement.

“We need the support and prayers of Ghanaians as usual and I know they are going to support us in every aspect as expected.”

The match will take place at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 GMT.

The Black Princesses will also face Japan and New Zealand in Group E, with the team’s goal set on advancing beyond the group stage for the first time.

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The Ghana U-20 women’s national team will kick off their campaign on Monday night at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, with the match starting at 22:00 GMT.

Basigi expressed his excitement and composure, noting that it’s a rare opportunity for a coach to compete on such a global stage.

“I am highly motivated and calm because not every coach gets this chance. We need to make the most of it,” he told the Ghana FA website.

He underscored the importance of this tournament for the players, emphasizing that it could be a career-defining moment.

“I have conveyed to the players that this might be their last chance to showcase their skills or earn a spot on the senior team. They need to seize this opportunity to prove their worth.”

Basigi also pointed out that the head coach of the senior national team is present in Colombia to scout potential talent, which he sees as a significant development for the team.

Following their match against Austria, the Black Princesses will face New Zealand and Japan in the remaining Group E fixtures.

Currently training in Colombia, Ghana’s U-20 women’s national team has played two friendly matches in preparation for the tournament.

They first drew 0-0 with Mexico and then played to a 2-2 draw against South Korea on Tuesday evening.

Basigi expressed optimism about the team’s progress, noting, “Our performance has definitely improved since the first game. Against Mexico, there was noticeable tension, but the team played much better against South Korea. Despite the penalty against us, which is part of the game, the team held its own well.”

He acknowledged concerns about conceding two penalties but sees it as a learning opportunity.

“It’s concerning to give away two penalties, but it helps us understand what to expect in the tournament. Referees often protect players, and minor infractions can result in penalties, so we need to be cautious.”

Basigi is reassured by the team’s development and feels ready for the upcoming World Cup.

“We’ve identified the key aspects we needed to address, and the team has shown promise. We are hopeful and prepared for the challenges ahead.”

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will take place in Colombia from August 31 to September 22, 2024.

Ghana’s first match is against Austria on September 2, with additional group-stage games against New Zealand and Japan.

Meanwhile, Stella Nyamekye has been named as the new captain for the team.

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The U-20 national women’s team has landed in Bogota after intensive training sessions in Cape Coast and Accra, setting the stage for their preparations for the upcoming tournament.

Despite having participated in the Women’s World Cup six times, the Black Princesses aim to advance beyond the group stage for the first time.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to the Government and the Football Association for getting us here early. This has allowed us to acclimatize to the weather and altitude, which is crucial for our performance. We are extremely thankful and are determined to give our best in return,” Basigi shared on the Ghana FA’s official website.

He also thanked the authorities for arranging high-profile friendly matches to bolster the team’s readiness for the global event.

“They have set up two significant international friendlies for us, which will be instrumental in assessing our current level and identifying areas for improvement,” he added.

The Black Princesses will kick off their World Cup campaign against Austria on September 2, followed by matches against Japan and New Zealand in Group E.

The selected team features Jenna Kayla Sarpong, a goalkeeper from Auburn University, and defender Alexandra Emefa Tay, who plays for Seattle United ECNL.

Midfielder Stella Nyamekye returns to the squad after recovering from an injury that kept her out of the African Games in March.

The attacking line will be led by Mafia Nyame of AS FAR, alongside Salamatu Abdulai and Mary Amponsah from Ampem Darkoa Ladies.

The tournament will run from August 31 to September 22, 2024. Ghana is placed in Group E with Japan, Austria, and New Zealand.

The Black Princesses are determined to advance beyond the group stage for the first time, despite their consistent presence in the World Cup over the past six editions.

The players are as follows: 

Ghana’s U-20 women’s national team is preparing for its seventh consecutive appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Despite their consistent participation, the team has never advanced past the first round. Their best performance was in 2012 when they were eliminated in the group stage despite earning six points.

Basigi, who coached the team in the 2018 edition where they finished third in their group, reflected on the challenges they faced at that time.

“In my case, it was unfortunate the time we went for the World Cup in 2018; that was the time of the expose – the Normalisation Committee period but things were not normalised. I wouldn’t say that is an excuse though,” he said during the team’s Media Day at the Cape Coast Stadium on Monday, July 22.

The team has been training in Cape Coast for the past three weeks in preparation for the tournament. Basigi emphasized their determination to succeed this time around.

“This time, we are motivated to go again and make a mark because we are all looking forward to breaking that jinx. We have made the girls aware just as we the technical staff are aware,” he continued.

“We don’t need anybody to task us to do that job. We know how difficult it is. It’s a  herculean task but we will do all that we can to go beyond the group stage before we think of any other thing.”

With the expansion of the tournament to 24 teams from 16, Basigi is hopeful this will be the year Ghana finally advances beyond the first round.

The U-20 Women’s World Cup will take place in Colombia later this year, with Ghana placed in Group E alongside Austria, New Zealand, and Japan.

Ghana is set to make its seventh consecutive appearance at this biennial event. In preparation for the global competition, 35 players are currently training in Cape Coast.

The team is also scheduled to participate in a series of friendly matches before heading to South America.

Basigi expressed his confidence in the squad during an interview with Ghana FA media, highlighting their target of advancing past the group stage.

“We have been in Cape Coast for a few days now, and everyone is putting in maximum effort. The technical team has designed a series of training programs to keep the players in good shape,” he stated on Ghana FA media.

“The players are determined to represent the nation on the biggest stage. With a few days left before the start of the World Cup, we are leaving no stone unturned. Our goal is to make an impact on the world stage and make it out of the group stage.”

He also acknowledged the support from the Ghana Football Association and the government, expressing gratitude for their continued backing.

“The Football Association and the government have been very supportive in our preparations, and we know they will continue to support us. We won’t let them down.”

The Black Princesses will kick off their campaign against Austria on September 2, followed by matches against Japan and New Zealand in Group E.

Abdulai, who has been a standout performer for the team, featured prominently in Ghana’s U20 women’s squad during their clash against Nigeria U20 in the final of the women’s football tournament at the 13th African Games held at the Cape Coast Stadium on Thursday evening.

Despite a challenging first half, the Princesses managed to equalize through Tracey Twum in the second half before Abdulai’s spectacular goal in extra time secured a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory over their rivals.

In his post-match remarks, coach Yussif Basigi praised Abdulai, expressing his confidence in her ability to deliver when it mattered most.

“Mukarama is a well-known talent. I always had faith in her abilities, and she has proven herself once again. She stands out as the most experienced striker among the group, and her contribution didn’t come as a surprise,” coach Yussif Basigi remarked.

With this triumph, the Princesses’ victory adds another gold medal to Ghana’s tally at the 13th African Games.

Ghana’s U-20 female national team has booked their place in the final of the ongoing 2023 African Games. 

Basigi’s side cruised over Senegal with a 3-1 scoreline in the semifinal to extend their unbeaten run in the ongoing tournament.

The Princesses will face Nigeria in the grande finale later today at the Cape Coast Stadium.

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated clash, Basigi expressed confidence in steering the team to win the ultimate. 

“We are poised for the game. The players and the technical team are all ready for the game against Nigeria,” he said on Asempa FM‘s Ultimate Sports Show. 

‘We are determined to win gold. It will be a difficult game but I am rest assured and promise the country that we will win gold,” he added. 

The game has been scheduled to kick off at 20:00GMT.

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Ghana will face rivals Nigeria in the final of the tournament on Saturday at the Baba Yara Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 18:30GMT.

The Black Princesses sealed a place in the final after a 3-1 comeback win over Burkina Faso. Nigeria, however, recorded a 3-0 win over Benin.

Ahead of the final, Basigi says the Princesses are determined to make history and is confident of winning the ultimate.

“Ghanaians should have faith in this Black Princesses team. They are coachable and I have been satisfied with their performance,” he told Asempa FM on the Ultimate Sports Show.

“We are playing Nigeria who have experience. They have good players who have played in World Cup but we are going to match them and I am convinced we will lift the trophy.

“The players are highly motivated ahead of the final. GFA boss, Kurt Okraku, spoke to the team before the start of the tournament and what they were told still rings in their minds. I am sure they want to write their names in the history books. 

“Getting to the final and winning the trophy is a different thing but we want to win the maiden edition of the tournament. The body language of the players indicates that they are ready for the final against Nigeria,” he added.

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Basigi is a CAF Licence A holder and has a degree in Health, Physical Training and Recreation from the University of Education, Winneba.

Basigi has had the opportunity to handle the Black Queens as an Assistant coach from 2011-2013, moved to head coach from 2013-2017 and is now head coach of the Black Princesses.

He has been the trainer of Hasaacas Ladies from 2013 to date.

Basigi led the Black Queens to win Gold at the 2015 African Games in Congo Brazzaville and also guided Hasaacas Ladies to 2nd place in the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt where they lost to Mamelodi Sundowns in the final.

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Basigi has also won four Women’s Premier League titles with Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies. He will be assisted by Ampem Darkoa Ladies Coach Nana Adarkwa and Anita Owiredu.

The Black Princesses will represent Ghana at the 13th African Games scheduled for Accra in August next year.

The soft-spoken gaffer is the longest-serving manager in the Ghana Women’s Premier League, having coached Hasaacas Ladies since 2003.

“I have been coaching Hasaacas Ladies for 18 years. I’m the first coach of the team when it was formed in June 2003,” he told Accra-based Angel FM.

“I have coached all these years without a salary. My joy is seeing a lot of young girls transforming their lives through football.”

The former Black Queens coach also said six players from the team’s quintuple-winning side are set to leave after receiving offers from clubs abroad.

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“After the CAF Women’s Champions League, we have been inundated with offers from top Africa and European clubs for most of our girls. I’m struggling to convince some of them to stay but at least, six of them will leave,” he added.

Basigi is also the most successful manager in Ghana’s women’s game after guiding the Sekondi-based side to several laurels.

It has been a hugely successful year for Hasaacas Ladies, who have won an unprecedented five trophies in 2021.

The team won the Ghana Women’s Premier League, FA Cup, WAFU Zone B title, Ghana Super Cup and the First Lady’s Cup.

Hasaacas Ladies, however, narrowly missed out on winning the maiden edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League, where they finished as runners-up to South African side Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.

Imoro Amadu is the assistant coach with Emmanuel Kwesi Selassie as the Physical Trainer.

Other members of the technical team are as follows, Nassamu Yakubu – Goalkeepers Trainer,  Dr. Mabel Aboah -Team doctor, Asabea Opare – Physiotherapist, Susie Djoleto – Team Masseur, Madam Evelyn Nsiah Asare – Welfare Manager and Genevieve Clottey – Equipment manager.

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The GFA has also named Eastern Regional FA Chairman Linford Asamoah as Chairman of the Black Princess Management Committee with Abena Brigidi as the Vice-Chairperson.

Other members of the management committee are Yakubu Asamani, Christian Isaac Mensah and Linda Ansong.

Here are the Technical and Management Committee members:

TECHNICAL

Yussif Basigi                                        –     Head Coach

Imoro Amadu                                       –     Assistant Coach

Emmanuel Kwesi Sellasie                    –    Assistant Coach (Physical Trainer)

Nassamu Yakubu                                 –     Goalkeepers Trainer

Dr. Mabel Aboah                                 –     Team Doctor

Asabea Opare                                       –     Physiotherapist

Susie Djoleto                                        –     Team Nurse

Evelyn Nsiah Asare                              –     Welfare manager

Genevive Clotey                                   –     Equipment Manager

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Linford Asamoah                                 –         Chairman

Abena Brigidi                                      –         Vice Chairman

Yakubu Asamani                                 –         Member

Christian Isaac Mensah                       –          Member

Linda Ansong                                      –         Member