Ghana’s Black Princesses suffered a 4-1 defeat to Japan in their second Group E match at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
Eager to secure their first win of the tournament, the Princesses put up a strong fight but ultimately conceded two goals in each half, marking their second consecutive loss.
Ghana started the match with confidence, holding off Japan for 40 minutes. However, Japan broke the deadlock just before halftime, with Sasai scoring in the 45th minute. Matsukubo added a second goal in stoppage time, capitalizing on an error by Ghanaian goalkeeper Afi Amenyeku.
In the second half, substitutions were made, with Mafia Nyame and Mercy Attobra coming on for Wasiima Mohammed and Mary Amponsah. However, the changes did little to stop Japan, as Bayana extended the lead with a goal from a goalmouth scramble.
Ghana managed to pull one back when Stella Nyamekye converted a penalty in the 83rd minute after being fouled. But Japan quickly responded, with Matsunaga scoring to seal a 4-1 victory.
The result leaves Ghana without a point, following their earlier 2-1 loss to Austria in the opening match.
Coach Yusif Basigi and his team will face New Zealand in their final Group E match on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali.
Despite making six consecutive appearances at the tournament, the Black Princesses are still chasing their first-ever qualification from the group stage.