For goalkeeper Cynthia, the message ahead of Ghana’s do-or-die WAFCON quarter-final against Malawi is simple: stick to the basics, trust the backline, and embrace the pressure. Speaking alongside her head coach, the shot-stopper exuded calm confidence as she addressed the media, making it clear that the team is not intimidated by Malawi’s star power.

“As the coach mentioned, they have good players—world-class players—but we know how to handle them at the back,” Cynthia stated firmly. She emphasized that the foundation of their defensive solidity lies in communication. “It’s just for us to communicate as we did in our previous games. When we do effective communication, we know how to handle them.”

She referenced the earlier friendly between the two sides, noting that while one of Malawi’s key attackers was absent that day, the lessons learned still apply. “Even though one of them wasn’t featured, I know with communication and hard work, we can overcome them. We are really prepared for that.”

For Cynthia, the stakes could not be higher. A win tomorrow does not just mean a place in the semi-finals—it secures Ghana’s return to the global stage for the first time in years. “It’s really important for us and the whole of Ghana. We really want to go back there, because it has been a long time since Ghana's last representation in the World Cup.”

The goalkeeper brushed aside any suggestion of nerves, insisting the squad is eager to get started. “Nobody is ready? No—we can’t wait to begin again tomorrow. We are ready, we are focused. We really want to book a ticket to the World Cup, so everybody is ready.”