Francis Oti Akenteng, Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has fingered the technical approach of the Black Maidens after they lost narrowly to Canada in their Group D opener of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup underway in Trinidad Tobago. The Maidens dominated play but failed to translate their advantage into goals and Coach Oti Akenteng says the team was let down by its tactical approach. Coach Oti Akenteng told GNA Sports in Accra on Tuesday that it is worrying to have such a good spell of possession which to the extend reduced Canada to defending the entire duration whist Ghana could only throw a few players upfront. The coach was dismayed by the fitness level of the team insisting, “I cannot understand why the players were struggling with cramps. That should not be the case because they had a good build-up before the commencement of the event.” The Maidens had a flambouyant build-up to the tourney with some impressive results against some American teams in a manner that raised the faith of many in the team. Oti Akenteng wondered if the team peaked too early insisting “I will call the team and find out if that is the case and advise on what next to do. I spent a lot of time with the team and it has a very talented crop of players who can come good once they gel”. He was also critical of Coach Abraham Allotey’s substitutions insisting it did very little good to the Maiden’s cause in a game he claimed the Ghanaians had wrapped around their fingers and should have he victors. The coach, however, is keeping faith in the team’s ability to bounce back when they line up on Thursday against Brazil who beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in the other Group duel. “Even though I’m yet to see the Brazilians play, it is fair to give the Maidens one more chance to see how they will fair.” Ghana pitted in Group D alongside Brazil, Republic of Ireland and Canada exited the last competition in New Zealand at the group stage after winning, drawing and losing a game each. Source: GNA