Ghana made a false start at the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia losing 2-1 to Austria in their Group E opener on Monday, 2 September 2024.
The Black Princesses conceded a goal in either half including a second half penalty against the tournament debutants.
Stella Nyamekye pulled one back for the Princesses in the 91st minute after the seven-time finalists had gone down two-zero.
Austria took the lead on 12 minutes through Hannah Fankhausser and they doubled their lead in the 71st minute from the spot.
Asana Alhassan committed an infringement inside the area and the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot.
Nicole Ojukwu converted perfectly from the spot.
Other Story and Commentary…
The Black Princesses of Ghana start their U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat against Austria at the El Techo Stadium.
Austria drew first blood on the 12th minute through Hannah Fankhauser
Stella Nyamekye few moments later went for a drive to look for the equalizer but was dealt with nicely Mariella El Sherif.
The Austrians nearly increased their tally on the 39th minute after a huge defensive blunder but Greta Spinn had their shot saved by Afi Amenyeku.
In the second half, Ghana returned on a blistering note and Jennifer Owusuwaa nearly got the leveller but her shot was tipped off to a wasted corner kick.
Five minutes later, Tracey Twum was served with a free header after a very good cross but her direction was poor as it went wide for a goal-kick.
On the 69th minute, Austria were awarded a penalty ball went off the hand of Asana Alhassan in the box. Nicole Ojukwu stepped up and scored nicely to double their lead.
In the dying embers of the game, captain Stella Nyamekye scored a beauty with a good hit to pull one back for Ghana.
The Black Princesses will face Japan on September 5, in the next round of matches in Bogotá.
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