By Caleb Kuleke
Ho, Sept. 11, GNA- Some Residents in Ho, the Volta Regional capital have expressed joy following the Black Princesses’ spectacular 3-1 victory over South Korea.
The resounding win has completely revived Ghana’s campaign after a crushing 3-0 opening-match defeat to Ecuador.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is being hosted in Poland with the Black Princesses in group C with Ecuador, South Korea and France.
The dramatic turnaround sparks optimism as just a day’s prior, a heavy cloud of disappointment hung over football fans after a sluggish start against the South Americans.
However, second-half goals from captain Sarah Nyarko, Ivy Osei Owusu, and substitute Ruth Amponsah against the South Koreans completely shifted the mood.
At a washing bay at Powerhouse, a suburb of Ho, a television was surrounded by anxious residents who watched the tactical masterclass unfold.
When the final whistle blew, cheers echoed across neighbourhoods from Hosita to Alaye.
Speaking to Ghana News Agency, Eyram, a passionate sports enthusiast, expressed boundless confidence in the team’s trajectory.
“We were heartbroken after the Ecuador game. But what we saw against South Korea was the true Ghanaian spirit of resilient and fierce,” he said.
Joshua, a mechanic, was optimistic that the Princesses would break the historical jinx, advance past the group stage, and comfortably reach the quarterfinals.
“They have what it takes to rewrite our football history,” Joshua said.
Despite the euphoria, the sports enthusiasts were quick to transition from celebration to advocacy.
They appealed to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to provide the U-20 female national team with the maximum administrative, logistical, and financial backing required to excel on the global stage.
Mawunyo, local footballer told GNA the Princesses should not suffer from lack of motivation or delayed bonuses, especially on the eve of their crucial final group match against France on September 12.
He called on the Sector Ministry to prioritise investments in the domestic women’s league and grassroots development.
Asantewaa, a momo vendor emphasised that women’s football could no longer be treated as an afterthought.
She said the Black Princesses were proving their worth on the world stage with very minimal resources.
“Imagine what they would achieve if the Ministry of Sports invested heavily in modern pitches, academy structures, and equal financial incentives for female athletes,” Asantewaa added.
She explained that it was time to treat women’s football as a major national asset, not a side project.
As the team gears up for their next hurdle, the people of Ho have also reminded the broader Ghanaian public that the team cannot do it alone.
They urged citizens across all religious divides to support the Black Princesses with prayers while maintaining unwavering positivity.
With the spark of hope officially reignited, Ho, like the rest of Ghana, stands firmly behind the Black Princesses as they prepare to battle France, keeping the dream of a historic quarter-final appearance very much alive.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade