Ghana bows out of FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with no points

Black Princesses of Ghana took their final bow out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup without honour after losing their third consecutive match, 0-1 to China at the Saitama Stadium on Monday.

The Princesses exiting the competition without a single point nor goal conceded six times in three games to finish at the foot of Group D after losing 0-4, 0-1 and 0-1 to United States of America (USA), Germany and China respectively.

A 35th minute strike by Zhao Xindi ended the Ghanaians hope of at least exiting the tourney with a measure of grace on a day that the team which scored over 30 goals during the qualifiers and build up to the championship enjoyed their best support yet.

With members of the Ghanaian community in Tokyo and its environs cheering the team on all the way, the Princesses as usual dominated the early half where they flattered to deceive with their short passes which opened up the Chinese up on many occasions, which they unfortunately failed to capitalise on.

It was however the Asians who enjoyed more success by soaking the pressure and catching the Ghanaians on the break; a style that proved problematic for Coach Robert Sackey’s team.

The team’s best chance at goal fell through Florence Dadson a minute after the opener after the Princesses defence survived an invasion and managed to turn defending into attack.

Dadson was picked out by a long ball from the middle which appeared to have left the Chinese offside trap exposed. The striker raced ahead of her two markers but with goalkeeper Shen Li already compromised, she shot wayward to the surprise of all.

China needing a heavy win to attempt to overtake USA in the race for the next round, played it simple while keeping watchful eyes on the Ghanaians whose decision to over elaborate every move remained their bane.

Germany and USA have qualified out of the group to the next stage with China and Ghana heading home.

Source: GNA