Black Maidens Coach Pledges Strict Age Checks After CAF Sanctions
Adarkwa assures tighter player screening as Ghana advances in U-17 qualifiers
- Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa promises strict age verification for players
- CAF previously banned Ghana over a 2022 age fraud incident
- Black Maidens thrash Togo 6-0 to progress to next qualifying round
Head coach of Ghana’s U-17 women’s team, the Black Maidens, Joe Nana Adarkwa, has reiterated his commitment to enforcing strict age verification measures following past sanctions for eligibility violations.
His assurance comes in the wake of a ban imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which barred Ghana from participating in two editions of the U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers after an age fraud incident in 2022. The development led to significant reforms in player screening within the national team setup.
Speaking after the Black Maidens’ emphatic 6-0 victory over Togo on Saturday, April 19, 2026, Coach Adarkwa stressed that stronger safeguards are now in place to prevent any recurrence.
“We are very meticulous when it comes to player eligibility. Every player selected goes through the FA’s verification system to confirm they meet the U-17 requirements. There’s no room for error,” he stated.
He also praised his team’s determination and growing confidence as they progress in the qualifiers.
“The girls are focused and hungry for success. What we showed today is only a glimpse of our full potential,” he added.
The commanding win secured an 8-0 aggregate triumph over Togo, earning Ghana a place in the next round of the qualifiers.
The Black Maidens will now face Liberia’s U-17 women’s team in the next stage.
