Ghana’s Black Princesses endured a disappointing start to their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign after suffering a 3-0 defeat to debutants Ecuador in their opening Group C fixture in Poland.
Head coach Charles Sampson was without centre-back Margaret Agyapomaa, who was sent off during Ghana’s final qualifying match against Uganda.
Ecuador Strike Early
Ecuador made the perfect start to their maiden World Cup appearance, breaking the deadlock just two minutes into the match.
The early goal unsettled the Black Princesses, who struggled to establish their rhythm and found it difficult to string passes together or create sustained pressure on the South Americans.
Just as Ghana appeared to be settling into the contest, Ecuador struck again shortly before half-time to double their advantage.
The Black Princesses went into the break 2-0 down, facing a difficult task to mount a comeback and salvage at least a point.
Ecuador Seal Comfortable Victory
Ghana hoped for a stronger response after the restart, but Ecuador continued to control the contest.
The South Americans added a third goal within 24 minutes of the second half, effectively ending Ghana’s hopes of recovering from the deficit and securing all three points in their opening game.
The 3-0 defeat leaves the Black Princesses with a difficult road ahead as they look to recover in their remaining Group C matches.
Black Princesses Face South Korea and France
Ghana will next face South Korea before taking on France in their final group match.
South Korea and France drew 1-1 in the other Group C fixture, leaving Ghana needing positive results in their remaining games to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.
The defeat also means Ghana have recorded only one win in their opening World Cup matches since making their debut at the tournament in 2010.
