Ghana Black Princesses hit by seven-player injury crisis ahead of World Cup

Ghana’s U-20 women’s national team, the Black Princesses, faces a significant injury crisis ahead of the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. Seven players have been ruled out of the tournament, severely impacting the squad's depth in key positions.

Goalkeeping options are heavily depleted, with Asana Osman, Grace Andoh, and Jenna Kayla Sarpong all sidelined. The team also loses captain and defender Linda Owusu Ansah due to an ACL injury. The attacking line is similarly affected by the absence of forwards Mercy Attobrah and Mary Amponsah, both of whom suffered ACL injuries, as well as midfielder Jessica Appiah.

Head coach Charles Sampson noted that several players, including Osman, Attobrah, and Amponsah, sustained ACL injuries during various stages of the qualifying campaign. Sampson expressed confidence in the remaining squad, emphasizing that the team operates as a collective. Ghana is drawn in Group C and will begin its campaign against Ecuador on September 6, followed by matches against South Korea and France.