By OkayGoal
Ghanas Black Princesses head coach Charles Sampson says his side are ready and determined to win their opening World Cup fixture against Ecuador on 6 September 2026.
The team have been preparing for the tournament opener and Sampson said the players were excited after completing a light final training session.
“Finally, the day is getting closer, or it has already come. We’re facing Ecuador tomorrow. We’ve been waiting for this for I can’t remember how long, so we just can’t wait to be on the field tomorrow.
“Today was just to touch on a few aspects of the game and do a little bit of set pieces and get the body ready and fresh for tomorrow. So the intensity was not much, and we are very satisfied. The girls are ready.”
Sampson said the players had shown a high level of concentration as the match approached, with the presence of dignitaries at the teams camp also helping to lift morale.
“You could see that they are very, very focused. The presence of dignitaries here has also raised their morale, so we are looking forward to tomorrow. It’s difficult to say.”
The coach admitted he was unsure how he would feel when the match finally arrived, but described the tournament journey as a dream and a privilege.
“I was wondering for long how I would be feeling, but I don’t know how it will be tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it. I just know that it has been a dream. It has been a privilege and the journey has been amazing, so we are looking forward to showcasing what we have to the world tomorrow.”
Sampson targets winning start
Ghana will begin their campaign against Ecuador before facing Korea Republic and France in their remaining group fixtures.
Sampson said the Black Princesses would approach the opening game with the clear objective of taking all three points, while focusing on each match separately.
“We are going in with the intention of winning. That’s the first game we have in the group and we know that it is very vital, and that’s the intention we are going into the game with. I am now focused on what we want and what we are looking for, and we will take this journey a game at a time. Tomorrow our aim is to go and win, and that is what we are focusing on right now.”
The final training session was deliberately low in intensity, with the squad working on selected elements of their approach, practising set pieces and ensuring the players were physically prepared for the match.
Sampson also called on supporters to continue backing the team as Ghana begin their World Cup campaign.
“What I would say is that they should continue believing in us, supporting us and know that we will do our best. Tomorrow we will bring out the best of ourselves and make sure that we get what we are looking for.”
The Black Princesses first fixture takes place on 6 September 2026, with Korea Republic and France to follow in the group stage.