Ghana bounce back to keep knockout hopes alive

Ghana moved a step closer to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup knockout stages on Wednesday, beating Korea Republic 3-1 at Arena Sosnowiec. After a 3-0 defeat to Ecuador in their opening match, the Black Princesses responded in style to keep alive hopes of reaching the Round of 16 for the first time.

Ghana captain Sarah Nyarko opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a well-struck effort, before Ivy Osei Owusu doubled the lead three minutes later with a deflected shot from the edge of the box.

Substitute Ruth Amponsah added a third in the 84th minute, her effort taking a deflection to put Ghana firmly in control. Korea Republic pulled one back deep into added time through a superb long-range strike from Beom Yeju in the fifth minute of stoppage time, but it was not enough to deny Ghana a valuable victory.

The result leaves Ghana in a strong position to make history. Since their first appearance in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2010, the Black Princesses have made seven appearances but have never progressed beyond the group stage. A place in the Round of 16 would mark a new milestone for the West African side.

Korea Republic, who held France to a draw in their opening match, will need a positive result in their final group game to keep their qualification hopes alive.