In a post-match interview following the Black Princesses’ victory over Guinea Bissau, Coach Yussif Basigi discussed the team’s performance and the strategic challenges they faced in the game.
Basigi explained, “I will say that the Guineans came with an impression of playing defensively so that they would not concede many goals. So, technically, in the first half, I will say that they were well organized by frustrating our team. So, we could not find our rhythm until the second half. We spoke to the girls to have patience and play, just to have open play so that we can get the needed goals.”
He emphasized the importance of patience and a change in approach, stating, “Because in the first half, we were in a hurry to score and I think that it worked to perfection in the second half.”
Regarding the team’s composition, Coach Basigi noted, “Yeah, you know, we’ve made the services of about three, four of our key players. So, now the new inclusion, we are yet to pick up the rhythm. So, that is why I told them to have patience to play. I was having enough time for them because I didn’t want to put pressure on them. After all, they have not gotten the concept yet.”
When asked about their upcoming opponents, Basigi said, “Honestly, no, I don’t have any information about them. But before we play them, if not for the junior team, we’ll have an idea of how the senior team plays. And I know that it will not be too much of a difference with the junior team. So, before then, we’ll get to know how they play.”
He also discussed the future of the team, stating, “Yeah, you know, initially I said that we need the services of about four of our key players from our playing outside the country. And before then, we’ll get them back, and everything will be fine.”
Coach Basigi highlighted the developmental nature of youth teams, saying, “You know, when we talk about youth teams, it’s about development. So, we have a pool of talents out there and we are not bringing all of them on board at the same time because we’ll be building the team around the WAFU squad, those that played in Kumasi. And along the line, we’ll augment the team by bringing on board some few talents because here it’s for talent development.”
Regarding pressure and expectations, Basigi explained, “The GFA is not putting pressure on us, but we have set targets for ourselves because we also want to make names for ourselves. So we have set the target, the technical team, and then the players have also set targets because we all need to get up there. So we are self-motivated to play. For the GFA, they are not putting any pressure on us.”
When asked about the competitiveness of women’s football, Coach Basigi responded positively, saying, “Yes, of course, because they came with a game plan. They are all of us. They wouldn’t let us play our game until the second half, we had patience, opened the game, and then you could see glimpses of what we are capable of doing.”
The victory and Coach Basigi’s insights have generated excitement among fans and anticipation for future matches.
Story By: Suraiya Illiasu – Ahotor Sports Desk
