Ghana’s Black Princesses have revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history after recording a convincing 3-1 victory over South Korea on Wednesday.
The important Group C triumph gives Ghana three points from their opening two matches and keeps their qualification hopes firmly alive heading into the final round of group fixtures.
After a goalless first half, captain Sarah Nyarko broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a superb long-range strike to give the Black Princesses a deserved advantage.
Ghana quickly built on their lead just three minutes later when Ivy Osei Owusu doubled the advantage.
Osei Owusu displayed excellent composure in the 55th minute, lifting a delightful chip over the South Korean goalkeeper to put Ghana in firm control of the contest.
The Black Princesses continued to push forward in search of a third goal and were rewarded in the 84th minute when Ruth Amponsah found the back of the net to make it 3-0.
South Korea managed to pull one goal back deep into stoppage time, with B. Ye-jo scoring in the fifth minute of added time. However, Ghana comfortably held on to secure a crucial three points.
The victory moves Ghana into second place in Group C, level on three points with Ecuador.
However, the Black Princesses currently trail Ecuador on goal difference, having scored three goals and conceded four in their opening two matches.
Ghana began their campaign with a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Ecuador, making Wednesday’s victory particularly important in their quest to reach the next round.
With one group game remaining, the Black Princesses will now turn their attention to France, knowing that another positive result could see them secure a place in the knockout stage.
Ghana will be hoping to make history in Poland by advancing beyond the group stage for the first time in their eighth appearance at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
