By: Francis Ofori
Accra, Sep. 03, GNA – Ghana’s Black Princesses have dug themselves a deep hole at the U-20 Women’s World Cup after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against an unfamiliar Austrian side on Monday night.
Stella Nyamekye’s late strike was not enough to get the West African giants off to a flying start after 90 minutes of exciting play.
Coach Yussif Basigi and his charges postponed their win for a daunting fixture ahead after bottling an opportunity to snatch all three points from the debutants.
The first timers started the game with much intensity to announce their presence at the global stage.
Hannah Frankhauser stamped Austria’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 12th minute with a burst of speed down the left wing to tap-in Laura Spinn’s arrowed low cross.
Basigi’s side signalled their attacking intentions early as Stella Nyamekye kept her opponent’s defence busy with incredible display of skilful football.
Ghana’s Afi Amenyaku also cemented her lines with a one-on-one save to halt the first 45 minutes.
The Princesses returned into the second half as wounded lionesses who were hoping to redeem their image with a win, but Austria’s defence remained resolute after several attempts.
As the game wore on, the Ghanaians were forced to a defensive reset which led to the ball coming off the hand of Asana Alhassan to hand Austria a golden opportunity in the 70th minute.
Nicole Ojukwu could not wait to seal the historic moment as she stepped up to convert a beautiful penalty kick which left Ghana’s shot-stopper in a state of confusion.
Skipper Stella Nyamekye’s effort finally paid off in injury time with cracker outside the 18-yard box to pull one back for the Ghanaians.
Coach Basigi threw players forward in search of an equaliser but the stout Austrian defence held firm as the game ended 2-1.
Ghana finds themselves at a crossroad to put up an impressive show in their next fixture against Japan on September 5, 2024.
GNA