Ghana's U-17 stars have their per diems sorted, but qualification bonuses remain unpaid as they prepare for a Round of 16 date with Argentina.
Ghana's Black Maidens are chasing World Cup glory in Morocco with one eye on the pitch and another on the pay slip. Head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has confirmed that the Ministry of Sports and Recreation has settled the squad's per diems, but the bonuses for reaching the knockout stage are still outstanding.
The Black Maidens face Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, with kick-off set for 18:00 GMT. Adarkwa says the unpaid qualification bonuses are the only financial matter still hanging over the camp. "Apart from that, everything is okay," he said. He declined to say how much the players are owed.
The timing is not ideal for a young side trying to make a statement. Ghana are back on the world stage after missing several editions of the tournament, and every ounce of focus will be needed against a tough South American opponent.
The Black Maidens also have history to draw on. Ghana claimed bronze at the 2012 edition under Mas-ud Didi Dramani, falling to France in the semi-finals before beating Germany in the third-place play-off. A new generation now wants to write its own chapter, and a win over Argentina would be the next step.
