Residents of Ho, the Volta Regional capital, have renewed their support for Ghana’s Black Princesses after the team bounced back from their opening defeat at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a convincing 3-1 win over South Korea.
The victory has revived Ghana’s hopes of progressing from Group C, with fans now looking ahead to the team’s decisive final group game against France on September 12.
Ghana suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Ecuador in their opening match, raising concerns about the team’s prospects in the tournament being hosted in Poland.
However, a much-improved performance against South Korea, capped by second-half goals from captain Sarah Nyarko, Ivy Osei Owusu and substitute Ruth Amponsah, has transformed the mood among supporters.
At a washing bay at Powerhouse in Ho, residents gathered around a television to watch the match, with tension giving way to excitement as the Black Princesses secured the emphatic victory.
Celebrations reportedly spread across parts of the city, including Hosita and Alaye, following the final whistle.
A sports enthusiast, Eyram, said the performance had restored his confidence in the team.
“We were heartbroken after the Ecuador game. But what we saw against South Korea was the true Ghanaian spirit of resilience and fierceness,” he said.
A mechanic, Joshua, also expressed optimism that the team could overcome its previous setbacks, progress beyond the group stage and reach the quarter-finals.
“They have what it takes to rewrite our football history,” he said.
Calls for stronger support
While celebrating the victory, residents also used the opportunity to call for greater institutional support for women’s football.
They urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to provide the Black Princesses with the necessary financial, logistical and administrative backing as they pursue qualification to the knockout stage.
Mawunyo, a local footballer, said the players should not be distracted by delayed bonuses or inadequate motivation ahead of their crucial encounter with France.
He also called for increased investment in the domestic women’s league and grassroots football to create a stronger pipeline for future national teams.
Asantewaa, a mobile money vendor, said the achievements of female footballers demonstrated that women’s football deserved greater attention and investment.
“Imagine what they would achieve if the Ministry of Sports invested heavily in modern pitches, academy structures, and equal financial incentives for female athletes,” she said.
She urged authorities to regard women’s football as a major national asset rather than a secondary sporting activity.
With Ghana’s hopes revived following the South Korea victory, the residents encouraged supporters across the country to remain positive and back the team with prayers ahead of the decisive match against France.
For the people of Ho, the Black Princesses’ turnaround has restored belief that Ghana can advance further in the tournament and potentially secure a historic quarter-final place.
