After losing 3-0 to Ecuador in their first Group C match in Poland, Ghana’s Black Princesses have had a dismal start to their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign.
From the first whistle, Ecuador, making their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup debut, showed no fear and punished Ghana with clinical finishing to win all three points.
Four minutes into the match, Rosa Flores gave the South Americans the lead with a spectacular long-range shot that caught Ghanaian goalkeeper Najat Salam off her line.
Agnes Yeboah nearly scored right away for the Black Princesses, but Ghana was unable to convert their chances into goals.
After collecting a fine pass from Flores, Doménica Arboleda calmly converted in the sixteenth minute to double Ecuador’s lead.
Ghana had to pay an extra price for the goal because goalkeeper Najat Salam was hurt during the sequence and had to be replaced by Precious Akanguwie.
Ecuador continued to be well-organized and deadly in its attacks, making it difficult for Ghana to establish clear opportunities. Before halftime, Dariana Morán’s attempt was deflected into the crossbar, giving the Ecuadorians a chance to add a third goal.
The Black Princesses needed a significant comeback following the restart after falling behind 2-0 at halftime. Rather, Ecuador maintained control over the match and ultimately struck the game-winning goal in the 69th minute.
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In a stunning move, Arboleda finished her brace by eluding multiple Ghanaian players and finding the back of the net to make it 3–0.
Ghana pushed for a consolation goal in the closing stages but could not find a way past Ecuador’s defence, and the Black Princesses were left to absorb a heavy opening-match defeat.
The result puts Ghana under immediate pressure in Group C, who still have two group matches remaining. Ghana will next face South Korea on Wednesday, September 9, before concluding the group stage against France on September 12.
The Black Princesses will now need a significantly improved performance against South Korea if they are to revive their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
Ecuador, meanwhile, takes an early lead in the group after its historic opening victory, while France and South Korea shared a 1-1 draw in the other Group C encounter.