2024 U-20 WWC: Black Princesses suffer defeat in opener

Austria secured a 2-1 victory over Ghana in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup currently being held in Colombia, with goals scored in both halves.

Hannah Fankhauter opened the scoring for Austria in the 12th minute, benefiting from a well-executed team play. Laura Spinn delivered a low cross from the right flank, which Valentina Maedl cleverly let through her legs, allowing Fankhauter to fire the ball into the net.

Austrian goalkeeper Mariella El Sherif showed her impressive reflexes by making a crucial save from Stella Nyamekye to keep Austria ahead. Despite Ghana’s tireless attempts to equalize, the World Cup debutants managed to hold on to their slim lead until half-time.

In the second half, Ghana made strategic substitutions, bringing on Mafia Nyame and Beline Nyarkoh for Salamatu Abdulai and Asana Mohammed. Ghana captain Stella Nyamekye came close to scoring with a long-range shot that hit the post in the 52nd minute.

Austria continued to press for a second goal but were denied by a solid block from Afi Amenyeku. Tracey Twum had a chance to equalize for Ghana but headed wide from close range after a precise cross from Comfort Yeboah. Nyamekye almost scored a spectacular goal but her effort was blocked by the crossbar.

The second goal of the match came unexpectedly when Asana Alhassan grabbed the ball in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty. Nicole Ojukwu calmly converted the spot kick, increasing Austria’s lead to 2-0.

Ghana’s Stella Nyamekye managed to score another goal in the 90th minute, but it could not change the result: the match ended 2-1 in favor of Austria.

Ghana will play the second match in Group E against Japan on Thursday, September 5, 2024.