'Winning our first game is very important to ease the pressure' – Hamza Mohammed on Black Starlets’ Benin test

Assistant coach of the Black Starlets, Hamza Mohammed, is confident Ghana can build on the positives from their opening victory over Togo when they face Benin in their second Group A match at the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship on Tuesday, October 13.

Ghana began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Togo, courtesy of David Kwarteng’s goal, to move to the top of Group A with three points.

The Black Starlets will now look to maintain their winning momentum against Benin, who opened their campaign with a goalless draw against hosts Burkina Faso and have one point.

Mohammed believes the opening victory has given the team a positive foundation to build on as they pursue a place in the semi-finals and ultimately seek qualification for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“Winning your first game is very, very important to ease the pressure on the team and the players. We have so many positives in that game, and that's what we are going to capitalise on and go in for the second match,” he said.

The assistant coach explained that the technical team immediately shifted its attention to Benin after the victory over Togo, stressing the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the competition.

He acknowledged the quality of their opponents but insisted Ghana had prepared for a different challenge from their opening encounter.

“It's not going to be the same game as we played against Togo. It's going to be a different ball game altogether,” Mohammed said.

With only the two finalists at the WAFU Zone B tournament earning qualification for the 2027 U-17 AFCON, Ghana will be eager to secure another positive result and strengthen their chances of progressing in the competition.